North Korea Launches Multiple Ballistic Missiles Amid Joint US-South Korea Military Drills
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Synopsis
On March 10, North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the Yellow Sea, coinciding with joint military drills between South Korea and the US. This marks the North's first missile test since Trump's return to the White House, amidst heightened tensions and accusations of provocative acts.
Key Takeaways
- North Korea launched ballistic missiles toward the Yellow Sea.
- Missile tests coincide with annual US-South Korea military drills.
- North denounces joint exercises as invasion rehearsals.
- UN Security Council bars North Korea from missile launches.
- Relations between North Korea and South Korea are tense.
Seoul, March 10 (NationPress) North Korea launched several ballistic missiles into the Yellow Sea on Monday, as reported by the South Korean military, coinciding with the commencement of the annual military exercises between Seoul and Washington. This event marks the first documented ballistic missile test by the North since US President Donald Trump's return to the White House.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) indicated that the missile launch occurred from an area close to the western county of Hwangju in North Hwanghae Province around 1:50 p.m. It is believed that the missiles could be close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) or those with a range of under 300 kilometers.
According to UN Security Council Resolutions, North Korea is prohibited from conducting any launches utilizing ballistic missile technology.
The JCS has enhanced its surveillance efforts and is maintaining a state of full readiness in close collaboration with the United States.
The annual Freedom Shield exercise conducted by South Korea and the US commenced on Monday and is set to last for 11 days.
North Korea has consistently criticized the allied military drills, labeling them as rehearsals for invasion and has a history of responding with weapons tests.
In light of the latest joint exercises, North Korea issued multiple statements condemning the actions, warning that Seoul and Washington will face a "horrible" consequence for this "dangerous provocative act."
Earlier on Monday, the North's Foreign Ministry condemned the joint exercises as a "dangerous provocative act," asserting that it would lead to an "aggravated security crisis."
Both South Korea and the US have dismissed the accusations of invasion rehearsals, stating that their joint drills are defensive in nature, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The last instance of North Korea firing multiple short-range ballistic missiles occurred on January 14.
Recently, Pyongyang criticized the United States for "political and military provocations" following the arrival of a US Navy aircraft carrier at the South Korean port of Busan.
Relations between Pyongyang and Seoul have reached one of their lowest points in years, with North Korea launching numerous ballistic missiles last year in violation of UN sanctions.
