- On Thursday, North Korea launched about 10 short-range ballistic missiles from the Pyongyang region towards its eastern waters, according to South Korea's military.
- The missiles were launched at around 5pm (08.00 GMT) on Thursday, as reported by the joint chiefs of staff.
- In response, South Korea's national security council held an emergency meeting and urged North Korea to halt the missile launches, which are banned under UN security council resolutions.
- Japan's prime minister's office detected a suspected missile launch, indicating regional security concerns.
- On Wednesday, the South Korean and US militaries announced they were scaling back their 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises.
- Kim Yo-jong dismissed Trump's overture on Wednesday, stating it was not worthy of comment.
- The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises began on Monday, which Trump had ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce just before they commenced.
- Trump cited a good relationship with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, as a reason for the reduction in military exercises.
North Korea's military launched approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Thursday, following a significant reduction in US-South Korea joint military exercises. The missiles were fired from the Pyongyang region around 5 PM local time, targeting the eastern waters of North Korea.1
The South Korean military reported the launches and stated that they had enhanced surveillance and were coordinating closely with the US and Japan. In response, South Korea's presidential national security council convened an emergency meeting, urging North Korea to cease its missile activities, which violate UN Security Council resolutions.3
President Trump had ordered a substantial reduction in the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, citing a positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. However, Kim Yo-jong, Kim Jong-un's sister, dismissed Trump's diplomatic overture, stating it was 'not worthy of comment.' She remarked, 'The provocative, aggressive nature of the drills won’t change even though their duration and size were reduced.' Despite her dismissal, she noted that personal relations between her brother and Trump remained 'still excellent,' suggesting that North Korea may be waiting for more significant concessions before engaging in talks.567
This series of missile launches and diplomatic tensions highlights the ongoing volatility in the region, as North Korea continues to assert its military capabilities while navigating complex international relations.
“Kim Yo-jong said personal relations between her brother and Trump were 'still excellent' but warned that reduced drills won't change their 'provocative, aggressive nature.' South Korea's national security council held an emergency meeting and urged a halt to launches banned under UN resolutions.”
The Guardian
Financial Times
