North Korea launched around 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea on Thursday, South Korea's military said, as joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea neared their conclusion.
The missiles were launched from the Pyongyang area at around 5 p.m. local time and travelled approximately 300 km toward North Korea's eastern waters, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). South Korean authorities said they had strengthened surveillance and were closely coordinating with the US and Japan following the launches.
The latest launches came amid the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises, which began earlier this week. The drills were scaled back after US President Donald Trump directed the reduction of American participation, including shortening the exercises and cutting some field training activities. The move was seen as part of efforts to create conditions for renewed dialogue with Pyongyang.
North Korea has continued to denounce the US-South Korea exercises, viewing them as a security threat and a rehearsal for an attack. Despite Washington's decision to reduce the drills, Pyongyang has shown little sign of easing its military posture.
The missile launches also came shortly after Trump said he expected to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year. However, Kim's sister and senior official, Kim Yo Jong, has cast doubt on recent claims of communication between Pyongyang and Washington, saying North Korea remains opposed to what it considers hostile US policy.
The latest developments highlight the difficult balance between military deterrence and diplomatic efforts on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea continuing to expand its missile capabilities while Washington signals an interest in reviving talks with Pyongyang.
