North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, following a late-night launch of a short-range missile. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported the launches and noted that the missiles were unidentified ballistic projectiles. Japan confirmed the launches on social media, stating that it appeared to be ballistic missiles.
The short-range ballistic missile fired on Sunday night flew about 570 kilometers (354 miles) before landing in the East Sea. South Korea, the United States, and Japan closely shared information about North Korea’s ballistic missile activities. The back-to-back launches occurred despite warnings from Seoul and Washington that any nuclear attack by Pyongyang on the United States and South Korea would lead to the end of the North Korean regime.
The United States and South Korea recently discussed nuclear deterrence during their second session of the Nuclear Consultative Group in Washington. Meanwhile, North Korea’s defense ministry criticized the allies’ plans to expand their annual joint military exercise, including a nuclear operation drill, calling it an open declaration of nuclear confrontation.
The short-range missile launch coincided with the anniversary of the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s father and predecessor, Kim Jong Il, who passed away on December 17, 2011. While the launch did not pose a direct threat to the U.S. or its allies, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command emphasized the destabilizing impact of North Korea’s weapons program and reiterated its commitment to defending South Korea and Japan.
North Korea declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power last year and has consistently stated its refusal to abandon its nuclear program, considering it essential for its survival. In the past month, North Korea claimed to have successfully placed a military spy satellite into orbit, asserting that it was already providing images of major U.S. and South Korean military sites.
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