North Korea fired suspected short-range ballistic missiles from its east coast on Friday. This happened a day after South Korea and the United States conducted joint aerial exercises, which North Korea sees as a big security threat.
South Korea’s military reported that the missiles were launched from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast. They traveled about 300 kilometers (185 miles) before landing in the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, confirmed that the missile landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
South Korea’s joint chiefs of staff called the missile launches a provocation that threatens peace on the Korean Peninsula. They assured that South Korea is ready to respond to any North Korean aggression, working closely with the United States.
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From last few months, North Korea has been conducting several weapons tests. These tests are part of their efforts to expand and modernize their arsenal, especially as diplomacy with the United States and South Korea remains stalled. Just last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test firing of a new multiple rocket launch system, according to North Korean state media.
North Korea argues that its nuclear and missile programs are necessary to counteract what it sees as US-led hostilities. They claim that the increased US-South Korean military exercises are rehearsals for an invasion.
Foreign experts believe that North Korea uses these drills by its rivals as an excuse to expand its weapons arsenal. They think North Korea aims to use this arsenal to gain more leverage in future diplomatic talks with the United States.
On Thursday, two South Korean F-35A fighter jets and two US F-22 Raptors carried out a combined aerial exercise over central South Korea. North Korea is very sensitive to the presence of advanced US aircraft, and this was the first time in seven months that US F-22s were deployed to South Korea.
North Korea’s official news agency, reported on Friday that the deployment of US F-22s for joint training with South Korea proves the US’s hostile intentions. They claim the US aims for a forceful confrontation with North Korea.
Reports also blamed South Korean military officials of escalating tensions to align with US strategies against North Korea. They warned that the F-22 flyovers could lead to undesirable consequences for the US, but did not specify what actions North Korea might take.
Also on Friday, Kim Yo Jong, a senior official and sister of Kim Jong Un, explained that North Korea’s recent weapons tests are part of a five-year arms development plan started in 2021. She said these new weapons are meant to target Seoul, the capital of South Korea.
She denied claims that North Korea plans to export these weapons to Russia, emphasizing that they are intended to prevent Seoul from considering any aggressive actions.
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