1 hr ago
North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles After South Korea Maritime Drills
North Korea launched several short-range missiles toward the East Sea, South Korea said.
The missiles traveled about 250 kilometers.
The launch happened one day after South Korea finished military drills with the United States and Japan.
North Korea has criticized these drills, saying they threaten its security.
South Korea, the United States and Japan shared information about the launches.
North Korea has often tested missiles around the time of military exercises.
US President Donald Trump has said he wants to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again.
Earlier meetings between Trump and Kim did not produce a denuclearization agreement.
This means military tension continues even though some officials see a possible chance for talks.
South Korea said North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area.
The missiles were detected around 5:20 a.m. Saturday and traveled about 250 kilometers.
The launches came one day after South Korea completed five days of maritime drills with the United States and Japan.
South Korean, US and Japanese authorities shared information about the missile launches.
North Korea has condemned allied military exercises as invasion rehearsals, while possible US-North Korea dialogue remains under discussion.
- Who
- North Korea launched the missiles, according to South Korea; South Korea, the United States and Japan were involved in the related military drills and information-sharing.
- What
- Multiple short-range ballistic missiles were fired toward the East Sea, also called the Sea of Japan.
- Where
- The missiles were launched from the Wonsan area and flew toward the East Sea.
- When
- The missiles were detected at about 5:20 a.m. Saturday, one day after the five-day maritime drills concluded.
- Why
- North Korea has condemned US-South Korea military exercises as threats and invasion rehearsals; the article does not provide a specific official explanation for this launch.
North Korean Position
South Korean and Allied Position
Military drills
North Korean Position
North Korea has called US-South Korea joint exercises threats and rehearsals for invasion, and Pyongyang criticized the Freedom Edge exercises.
South Korean and Allied Position
South Korea, the United States and Japan conducted five days of joint maritime drills in international waters off South Korea.
Missile launches
North Korean Position
North Korea carried out the missile launch and has often staged missile tests around allied military exercises.
South Korean and Allied Position
South Korea detected and monitored the launches, while South Korean, US and Japanese authorities shared relevant information.
Diplomatic prospects
North Korean Position
North Korean statements have sharply criticized Seoul's security relationship with Washington, while Pyongyang continues its military testing.
South Korean and Allied Position
US and South Korean officials have indicated that another meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un could be possible, despite previous talks producing no tangible denuclearization progress.
Key facts
- Missile type
- Multiple short-range ballistic missiles
- Launch area
- Wonsan area
- Flight direction
- Toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan
- Distance traveled
- About 250 kilometers (155 miles)
- Detection time
- Around 5:20 a.m. Saturday
- Related exercises
- Five days of joint maritime drills by South Korea, the United States and Japan
- Information sharing
- South Korean and US authorities tracked the launch and shared information with Japan
Sources
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