Post by : Bianca
Haleem
North Korea launched up to ten ballistic missiles toward the sea on Saturday, according to South Korea’s military, in a move that comes as the United States and South Korea are conducting joint military exercises.
The missiles were fired toward waters off North Korea’s east coast, the South Korean military said in a brief statement to reporters. Authorities did not immediately provide further details about the type or range of the projectiles.
According to Japan’s coast guard, the projectile appeared to have landed in the sea. Reports from Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, citing defence ministry sources, said the missile fell outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
The missile launch took place days after the United States and South Korea began large-scale military drills aimed at testing their readiness against potential threats from North Korea. The two allies say the exercises are purely defensive.
However, North Korea has repeatedly criticised such joint drills, calling them a “dress rehearsal” for military aggression against the country.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are also underway to reduce tensions. Earlier this week, Donald Trump, President of the United States, met Han Duck-soo, Prime Minister of South Korea, in Washington. The leaders discussed possible ways to restart dialogue with North Korea, which has been stalled since 2019.
The latest missile launch is likely to increase concerns over security in the region as military activities and political negotiations continue simultaneously.
English
