Seoul: North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles toward the Yellow Sea on Monday, according to South Korea's military, coinciding with the commencement of annual military drills by Seoul and Washington. This launch marks North Korea's first known ballistic missile test since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) detected the missile launch from North Korea's Hwanghae Province at approximately 1:50 p.m. However, the JCS did not provide additional details regarding the specifics of the missile tests. In response to the launch, the JCS has intensified surveillance and maintained a state of full readiness in close cooperation with the United States.
The military exercises, known as the Freedom Shield exercise, began on Monday and are scheduled to continue for 11 days. North Korea has historically criticized these joint exercises, perceiving them as rehearsals for potential invasions. In retaliation, North Korea often conducts weapons tests.
The North Korean regime issued statements condemning the latest joint drills, warning that Seoul and Washington would face severe consequences for what it termed as "dangerous provocative acts." These statements reflect the ongoing tension and hostility in the region surrounding these military activities.