North Korea test-fired two ballistic missiles on Monday, with one possibly flying abnormally. The missiles were launched from southeastern North Korea towards the northeast. The first missile flew 370 miles, while the second only flew 75 miles, leading to concerns about its abnormal flight path. The Joint Chiefs of Staff in South Korea condemned the launches as provocations that threaten peace on the Korean Peninsula.
The launches came after a trilateral military drill involving South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. The drill, called “Freedom Edge,” aimed to enhance joint ballistic missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surveillance capabilities. North Korea strongly denounced the drill, denouncing the U.S.-South Korea-Japan partnership as a threat to regional security and peace. North Korea vowed to defend its sovereignty and interests through offensive countermeasures.
These launches were the first weapons testing by North Korea in five days, with the previous test involving a multiwarhead missile. South Korea dismissed North Korea’s claim of a successful launch as a cover-up for a failed test. In recent weeks, North Korea has engaged in provocative actions, including sending trash-carrying balloons towards South Korea and forming a mutual defense pact with Russia. Additionally, North Korea held a key ruling party meeting to discuss issues related to enhancing Korean-style socialism. Overall, the situation remains tense on the Korean Peninsula with ongoing provocations from North Korea.
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