North Korea launched over ten ballistic missiles into the sea on Saturday, coinciding with military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea. The launches were confirmed by South Korean military officials and were detected by Japan's coast guard, which reported a possible ballistic missile landing outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
The missiles were fired from an area near Pyongyang, North Korea's capital, towards the eastern coast. According to Japan's Ministry of Defense, the missiles reached an altitude of 80 km and traveled approximately 340 km. These tests are part of North Korea's long-standing efforts to develop nuclear-capable missile technology, which has led to numerous UN Security Council sanctions since 2006.
This week marks the beginning of the annual joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, which involve thousands of troops and various military equipment, including tanks and armored vehicles. These drills are described by both nations as defensive measures to ensure readiness against potential threats from North Korea. The US maintains around 28,500 troops in South Korea as part of its military presence in the region.
North Korea often views these exercises as provocations, labeling them as rehearsals for an invasion. Recently, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with US President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss reopening dialogue with North Korea. Trump has expressed a desire to engage in discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to statements made by Kim Min-seok to the press.