(2nd LD) N. Korea fires short-range ballistic missile toward East Sea: military

South Korea's military reported that North Korea launched at least one short-range ballistic missile towards the East Sea on August 6. The missile was reportedly fired from the eastern coastal region of Wonsan in the North at around 5 p.m. The exact number of missiles launched remains unclear. In response, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) emphasized their continued vigilance, bolstering monitoring and surveillance in anticipation of possible further launches.

The military also affirmed their readiness, pledging close information sharing with the United States and Japan. This launch follows North Korea's previous tactical ballistic missile test on June 25, which was conducted alongside the unveiling of new multiple rocket launchers and other weapons. The tests coincided with the 76th anniversary of the Korean War's outbreak, signaling the North's intent to showcase its capability to strike key targets in South Korea.

Thursday's missile launch occurred before South Korea's annual summer military exercise with the U.S., Ulchi Freedom Shield, scheduled for later in the month. Following the launch, the presidential national security office convened an urgent meeting with officials from the defense ministry and the JCS. The meeting aimed to maintain an alert response posture and evaluate the potential impact of the missile launch on South Korea's national security.

The office further condemned the launch as a provocation, clearly violating United Nations Security Council resolutions, and called for an immediate end to the provocative action.