North Korea Fires Missile Ahead of US-South Korea Drills
North Korea fired a ballistic missile from its east coast toward the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, days before major joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. The launch has added to regional tensions as Pyongyang continues expanding its missile programme.
North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile
South Korea’s military said the missile was launched from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s eastern coast and travelled approximately 700 kilometres before falling into the sea.
The exact type of missile was not immediately confirmed. Authorities in South Korea, Japan and the United States were analysing flight data and other technical details following the launch.
The missile landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, with no immediate reports of damage to aircraft or vessels.
Missile Launch Ahead of US-South Korea Drills
The launch came less than a week before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises involving South Korea and the United States.
The drills are scheduled to run from August 17 to 27. North Korea has repeatedly criticised such exercises, describing them as preparations for an invasion, while Washington and Seoul maintain that they are defensive in nature.
Tuesday’s launch was North Korea’s second missile test in less than a week following another launch from the Wonsan region on August 6.
South Korea and Japan Condemn Launch
South Korea condemned the latest missile launch as a provocation and said its military remained prepared to respond in coordination with the United States.
Japan also protested the launch, describing North Korea’s continuing missile activity as a threat to regional security.
The United States said the test did not pose an immediate threat to American personnel or territory but reaffirmed its defence commitments to South Korea and Japan.
