North Korea launches 10 ballistic missiles as US-South Korea drills near end
SEOUL: South Korea’s presidential office condemned North Korea’s launch of more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles on Thursday and ordered its military to maintain full readiness during ongoing joint exercises with the United States. The launch came after North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong, sister of Kim Jong Un, on Wednesday condemned the U.S.-South Korea military drills, despite U.S. President…
Seoul condemned North Korea's recent launch of over ten short-range ballistic missiles, ordering its military to stay on high alert during ongoing joint US-South Korea drills. The missiles, launched from Pyongyang, flew around 300 kilometers towards the Sea of Japan. South Korean officials stated the missiles were likely 600mm multiple rocket launchers, capable of carrying tactical nuclear warheads.
The launch occurred despite US President Donald Trump's directive to reduce US involvement in the exercises and his desire to restart diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea's sister, Kim Yo Jong, had criticized the drills earlier, but claimed to be unaware of any recent communication with the US or South Korea.
Analysts believe the missile launch was meant to protest the joint exercises, express dissatisfaction over discussions of North Korea's nuclear arsenal, and warn against speculation about its security. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Seoul, urging South Korea not to take sides between Beijing and Washington, urging the US to abandon its "hostile" policy toward North Korea in order to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
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