SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea conducted multiple short-range ballistic missile tests towards its eastern waters on Monday, according to reports from neighboring countries. The launches occurred shortly after the conclusion of joint military drills between South Korea and the United States, which North Korea considers as rehearsals for invasion. The missile tests mark North Korea’s first known testing activities in approximately a month, coinciding with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Seoul for a conference.
Japan’s Defense Ministry confirmed that North Korea launched three missiles, with two being fired together at 7:44 a.m. followed by another missile nearly 37 minutes later. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida informed a parliamentary session that the missiles landed in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone, resulting in no damage or injuries. The repeated missile tests by North Korea were denounced by Kishida, who described them as threats to the peace and safety of Japan and the international community.
In response to the missile launches, South Korea’s military also reported detecting several suspected short-range ballistic launches by North Korea on Monday morning. The Joint Chiefs of Staff labeled the launches as clear provocations that could potentially undermine peace on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea reiterated its commitment to maintain readiness in repelling any provocation by North Korea, emphasizing its strong military alliance with the United States.
According to assessments from Japan and South Korea, the North Korean missiles traveled a distance of 300-350 kilometers and reached a maximum altitude of 50 kilometers. Experts believe that the missile launches were targeted towards major facilities in South Korea, such as military headquarters in the central region. The United States condemned the launches, citing them as a threat to regional security and reaffirming its commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan, both of which host a significant U.S. military presence.
The recent missile tests by North Korea come amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula following a series of missile tests throughout 2022, many of which involved nuclear-capable missiles. Observers suggest that North Korea’s pursuit of a larger weapons arsenal is aimed at strengthening its leverage in future diplomatic negotiations with the United States. Additionally, concerns have escalated since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signaled a shift in the country’s approach to seeking peaceful unification with South Korea, raising the prospect of limited provocations along the tense border.
North Korea’s actions continue to be closely monitored by regional powers, with the international community expressing concern over the implications of the missile tests. As North Korea seeks to assert its military capabilities and strategic interests, the repercussions of its actions on regional stability remain a focal point of discussions among nations in the Asia-Pacific region.