U.S. military aware of North Korean ballistic missile launch, reaffirms defense commitment
Quick Look
The U.S. military acknowledged a North Korean short-range ballistic missile launch toward the East Sea, reaffirming its defense commitment to regional allies while stating it poses no immediate threat.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Pyongyang fired a short-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea ahead of a major South Korea-U.S. military exercise.
By Song Sang-ho
WASHINGTON, May 26 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. military said Thursday that it is aware of a North Korean ballistic missile launch this week, reaffirming America's defense commitment to regional allies.
U.S. Pacific Command released a statement hours after Pyongyang fired a short-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea -- a launch that came ahead of a major South Korea-U.S. military exercise that the North has decried as a rehearsal for an invasion.
"We are aware of the missile launch and are consulting closely with our allies and partners," the command said in a statement posted on its website.
"Based on current assessments, this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies. The United States remains committed to the defense of the U.S. homeland and our allies in the region," it added.
The North last tested a tactical ballistic missile, as well as new multiple rocket launchers and other weapons, on June 25.
Open Questions
- What specific type of missile was launched?
- How will the upcoming military exercises proceed?
