Despite the international reaction, North Korea, which continues its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program, continues to take steps that increase tension in the region. According to a statement from the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, Pyongyang launched a short-range ballistic missile from the Jangyon region in South Hwanghae Province to the northeast. It was reported that the missiles flew 600 kilometers and 120 kilometers respectively, while the second attempt was evaluated as unsuccessful due to the short distance it covered.
North Korea’s Open Provocation
The South Korean military, while closely monitoring the missile tests in cooperation with US forces, said, “We strongly condemn North Korea’s open provocations that threaten the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula.” The South Korean military emphasized that it is ready to resolutely respond to any provocation.
North Korea Condemns Trilateral Joint Drill
Last week, the US, South Korea and Japan held a large-scale military exercise called “Freedom Edge” south of Jeju Island. Pyongyang reacted to the exercise by saying, “We condemn the provocative displays of military force by the US, South Korea and Japan against independent states in the region.”
Aggressive Warning from Pyongyang
The North Korean Foreign Ministry stated that they will continue to take aggressive measures to protect the state’s sovereignty and security. Emphasizing that they will take all necessary measures to maintain regional peace, Pyongyang stated that they are prepared for all moves that will cause tensions to rise.
