North Korea launched around 10 ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan on Saturday, according to South Korea’s military. The launches came days after Pyongyang warned of “terrible consequences” over ongoing joint military drills between Seoul and the United States.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were fired from the Sunan area near Pyongyang at about 1:20pm local time. They travelled roughly 350 kilometres before landing in the sea, which Seoul refers to as the East Sea.
Officials said South Korean and US authorities are analysing the missiles’ exact specifications.
Condemnation and military readiness
South Korea’s presidential Blue House condemned the launches as a “provocation” that violates United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The government ordered relevant agencies to remain on high alert, particularly as the launch occurred during joint military drills with the United States.
Japan’s defence ministry also confirmed the missile launches. It said the missiles reached a maximum altitude of about 80 kilometres and fell outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
South Korea’s military warned it was ready to respond strongly to any further provocations.
Tensions around military drills
The launches come during the annual “Freedom Shield” exercises between South Korea and the United States. The drills involve around 18,000 South Korean troops and will run until March 19.
North Korea has long criticised these exercises, describing them as preparations for an invasion.
Recently, Kim Yo Jong warned that the drills could lead to “unimaginably terrible consequences”.
Analysts say the scale and timing of the launch are notable. Hong Sung-pyo said North Korea often carries out missile tests when it wants to draw global attention.
Tensions also come amid renewed diplomatic speculation. Donald Trump has indicated he would be open to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Despite past summits and sanctions, efforts to limit North Korea’s nuclear programme have made little progress.
