North Korea launches multiple short-range ballistic missiles in suspected protest against US-Japan-ROK joint military drills

South Korean media reported that North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles this morning in a suspected protest against the joint drills held by the United States, Japan and South Korea. (AFP)

South Korean media pointed out that North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles this morning in a suspected protest against the joint exercises held by the United States, Japan and South Korea. The United States Pacific Command also immediately issued a statement stating that it had been informed of North Korea's activities and stated that it did not constitute an immediate threat, reaffirming the United States' commitment to defending regional allies.

According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area toward the East China Sea at 5:20 this morning, and revealed that the missiles flew about 250 kilometers. The launch occurred less than a day after the end of the joint military exercise "Freedom Blade" between the United States, Japan and South Korea.

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The report pointed out that the United States, Japan and South Korea launched a five-day joint military exercise in the high seas east and south of Jeju Island from July 7 to 11. Although US President Trump ordered the scale-down of the joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States, which was seen as a signal to Pyongyang to ease relations, North Korea still condemned the joint exercise among the three countries on Monday and vowed to take "corresponding countermeasures."

The report mentioned that North Korea has long denounced the joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States as invasion drills and responded with weapons tests in protest. The last time North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the East China Sea was on August 20, when the South Korean and US allies were conducting the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise.

In response to North Korea's launch of multiple missiles this morning, the U.S. Pacific Command also issued a statement, stating that it had been informed of the recent missile launches, and pointed out that based on current assessments, North Korea's missile launch did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. military forces or territory, or to its allies. The United States will continue to focus on defending its homeland and its allies in the region.

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