North Korea conducted a series of short-range ballistic missile launches on Thursday morning, marking its first such activity in over two months
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the missiles were fired from Pyongyang at approximately 7:10 a.m. local time and traveled around 360 kilometers (approximately 224 miles) before landing in the sea.
The South Korean military condemned the launches, describing them as provocations that threaten regional peace and stability. Japan’s defense ministry confirmed that at least two of the missiles traveled over 350 kilometers and reached an altitude of about 100 kilometers. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida denounced the launches, stating that Tokyo had lodged a formal protest with North Korea.
In response to the launch, nuclear envoys from South Korea, Japan, and the United States held a phone discussion, condemning the test as a violation of United Nations resolutions. They pledged to address any further provocations from North Korea. The US Indo-Pacific Command also criticized the missile launches and reaffirmed its security commitments to South Korea and Japan, although it noted that the event did not pose an immediate threat to US personnel or territory.
The latest missile tests come shortly after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to significantly enhance the country’s nuclear capabilities. This includes pledges to expand North Korea’s nuclear arsenal and ensure its readiness for deployment. Recent activities by North Korea have included testing new military technologies and deploying “suicide drones,” as well as increasing tensions by sending balloons carrying trash into South Korea.
The missile launch is the first since July 1, when North Korea claimed to have successfully tested a new tactical ballistic missile. This recent activity may be linked to North Korea’s broader strategy of responding to South Korea-US military exercises or testing its missile systems for potential export.
With input from the Associated Press, CNBC, and Reuters.
