North Korea has reportedly fired over ten ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan, likely as a response to ongoing military exercises between the US and South Korea.
On the afternoon of the 14th, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that North Korea launched over ten ballistic missiles from near Sunan, close to Pyongyang, toward the Sea of Japan. Analysts are currently examining the specific types of missiles used in these launches. This missile firing appears to be a reaction against the joint military exercises conducted by the US and South Korea, which North Korean officials have openly criticized, particularly with statements from Kim Yo-jong, a key member of the North Korean Workers' Party.
According to the Japanese government, the missiles were launched from the northwestern coast of North Korea and reached an altitude of approximately 80 kilometers before traveling around 340 kilometers, with their fall occurring outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Fortunately, there have not been any reported damages to ships or other property as a result of these missile launches.
In addition to this recent missile activity, North Korea had conducted a test launch of strategic cruise missiles on the 10th and fired two ballistic missiles from its western coast toward the east on January 27. These actions indicate a pattern of escalating tensions and military demonstration by North Korea amid ongoing strained relations with South Korea and its allies, notably in light of their collaborative military preparations.
