North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles After US-Japan-South Korea Drills
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles on Saturday morning from the Wonsan area toward the Sea of Japan, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported. The launch occurred at approximately 5:20am local time and marked the first ballistic missile test in 23 days, coming one day after the conclusion of the trilateral US-Japan-South Korea Freedom Edge exercises. South Korean and US intelligence authorities tracked the launches from the outset, with information also shared with Japan. The Blue House convened an emergency security meeting involving the defence ministry and other relevant agencies following the launch.
Key Points
- The missiles were launched from the Wonsan area toward the sea off North Korea's east coast at approximately 5:20am local time on Saturday
- South Korea's JCS confirmed the missiles traveled about 250 kilometers (155 miles), with detailed analysis underway by South Korean and US authorities
- The launch came one day after the conclusion of the Freedom Edge exercises, which were held from September 7 to 11 in waters east and south of Jeju Island
- South Korea's National Security Office convened an emergency meeting immediately after the launch, urging North Korea to stop ballistic missile activities
- US Pacific Command stated the launches posed no immediate threat to US personnel, territory, or allies, while affirming commitment to regional defense
- North Korea previously launched more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles on August 20, reportedly including 600mm super-large rocket artillery
- North Korea's defence minister had warned on September 7 that military action could not be ruled out in response to the joint exercises
- This was North Korea's first ballistic missile launch since August 20, ending a 23-day testing hiatus
Why It Matters
The timing of Saturday's launch, coming immediately after the Freedom Edge exercises—the fourth such trilateral drill since June 2024—underscores the escalating tit-for-tat dynamic on the Korean Peninsula . The launches demonstrate North Korea's persistent pursuit of missile capabilities despite international sanctions, while the coordinated US-Japan-South Korea response highlights strengthening regional security ties aimed at deterring Pyongyang's nuclear and missile threats .
The timing of Saturday's launch, coming immediately after the Freedom Edge exercises—the fourth such trilateral drill since June 2024—underscores the escalating tit-for-tat dynamic on the Korean Peninsula . The launches demonstrate North Korea's persistent pursuit of missile capabilities despite international sanctions, while the coordinated US-Japan-South Korea response highlights strengthening regional security ties aimed at deterring Pyongyang's nuclear and missile threats .