North Korea has fired several short-range ballistic missiles into waters off its east coast.
This happened just a day after joint military drills by South Korea, Japan and the United States ended.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were launched from the Wonsan area at around 5:20 a.m. and travelled roughly 250km.
South Korean and US authorities are now examining their specifications, while Japan was also informed of the launches.
Seoul quickly convened an emergency security meeting, with officials reviewing the potential impact and response.
Tensions Persist After Drills
The presidential office called the launches a “serious violation” of UN Security Council resolutions and urged Pyongyang to stop.
South Korea’s military, meanwhile, said it was maintaining a strong readiness posture with US forces.
“We remain committed to the defence” of the region, US Pacific Command said, adding that the launches did not pose an immediate threat to US personnel, territory or allies.
Why launch now? The timing is difficult to ignore.
Last month, North Korea fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles while South Korea and the US were conducting exercises.
With military drills over and missiles flying again, the message from Pyongyang appears clear.
The tensions may be easing on paper, but not in the skies.
