North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast on Tuesday, according to South Korea’s military. It marks Pyongyang’s first such launch in more than 40 days, following a series of missile tests earlier this year.
The launch comes ahead of the annual joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, scheduled to take place later this month. Washington and Seoul say the drills are designed to strengthen their defensive capabilities and deterrence against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, while Pyongyang continues to condemn them as preparations for an invasion.
South Korea’s military said the missile was fired from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s eastern coast at around 11:00 a.m. local time.
South Korea’s presidential office convened an emergency security meeting and condemned the launch as a provocative act that violates United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said it was aware of the launch and remains in close coordination with its regional allies. It added that current assessments indicate the missile does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, territory, or allied nations.
Analysts suggest the test may be linked to recent criticism by Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, regarding Japan’s deployment of Tomahawk missiles.
North Korea has conducted multiple weapons tests throughout the year, including short-range ballistic missiles, artillery rockets, and other tactical systems. Its latest confirmed test, carried out in late June, involved an upgraded 240mm multiple rocket launcher system, tactical ballistic missiles, and a 155mm self-propelled howitzer, according to the state-run KCNA news agency.
South Korea’s military said it has increased its readiness for possible additional launches and continues to share intelligence with the United States and Japan.
