North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles Toward East Sea
North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, early Saturday, a day after South Korea, the United States and Japan concluded a major trilateral military exercise.
North Korea Launches Missiles From Wonsan
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said multiple ballistic missiles were detected launching from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s eastern coast at around 5.20 am.
The missiles reportedly travelled approximately 250 kilometres before falling into the sea. No damage or casualties were immediately reported.
South Korea said its military had strengthened surveillance for possible additional launches while maintaining full readiness and sharing information with the United States and Japan.
Launch Follows US-South Korea-Japan Drills
The missile launches came shortly after Seoul, Washington and Tokyo completed the five-day Freedom Edge exercise in international waters around South Korea.
The trilateral drills are intended to strengthen cooperation against missile, nuclear and other regional security threats.
Pyongyang has repeatedly condemned joint military exercises involving the United States as rehearsals for an invasion and has frequently conducted weapons tests around major drills.
Tensions Persist Despite Trump Outreach
The latest launches come despite US President Donald Trump signalling his intention to revive direct engagement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
North Korea previously launched more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles in August, even as Washington scaled back parts of its military exercises with South Korea.
Pyongyang has meanwhile continued expanding its nuclear and missile capabilities, including strengthening its naval forces and developing vessels capable of carrying advanced missile systems.
