North Korea launched around 10 ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Saturday, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The launches took place while the United States and South Korea were conducting joint military drills in the region, which often lead to increased tensions with Pyongyang.
Officials in Seoul reported that the missiles traveled about 350 kilometers and reached an altitude of around 80 kilometers before falling into the sea. Authorities confirmed that the missiles landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, meaning they did not enter Japanese territorial waters.
South Korea strongly criticized the launches, calling them a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.
These resolutions ban North Korea from testing ballistic missiles because of concerns related to its weapons program. In response, South Korean military officials ordered higher alert levels and increased readiness to monitor any further activity from the North.
The missile launches came after North Korea issued strong warnings about the ongoing joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea.
Pyongyang has repeatedly criticized these drills, claiming they are a threat to its security and describing them as preparations for war. The North Korean government had recently warned that the exercises could lead to “serious consequences.”
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula often rise during such military activities, as North Korea frequently responds with missile tests or strong political statements. Regional security experts say these developments highlight the continuing challenges in maintaining stability in the area.
South Korea and its allies are closely monitoring the situation and are expected to continue coordinating their defense strategies. Meanwhile, the international community remains concerned about North Korea’s missile activities and their potential impact on regional security.
