On Thursday, North Korea conducted a missile launch from Pyongyang, marking the first such test in over two months. South Korea’s military reported that multiple short-range ballistic missiles were fired around 7:10 a.m. local time. The missiles traveled approximately 220 miles before falling into the sea. Details on the exact number of missiles launched were not provided.
Both South Korea and Japan condemned the missile launch. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff described it as a serious provocation that threatens regional peace and stability. Japan’s defense ministry confirmed that at least two missiles reached an altitude of around 60 miles. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also expressed strong condemnation and lodged a formal protest against North Korea, emphasizing ongoing cooperation with the U.S. and South Korea.
North Korea Fires Missiles After Two-Month Hiatus, Igniting Regional Tensions
In response to the missile test, nuclear envoys from South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. held a phone call, denouncing the launch as a violation of U.N. resolutions. They committed to addressing any further provocations from North Korea. This launch follows North Korea’s last missile test on July 1, which involved a new tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying a large warhead.
The timing of the launch is significant, coming shortly after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s pledge to increase nuclear weapons production. Kim has also overseen tests of advanced military technologies, including a new rocket launcher system and “suicide drones,” while promoting the development of AI for unmanned vehicles. Additionally, North Korea has been sending balloons carrying trash into South Korea, as part of a broader retaliatory campaign.
The launch could be a response to recent South Korea-U.S. military exercises or a demonstration of missile capabilities potentially intended for export to Russia. North Korea is accused of supplying Russia with weapons for the Ukraine conflict, a claim both Moscow and Pyongyang deny. Nonetheless, they have pledged closer military cooperation following a summit in June.
