According to reports from the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff cited by Yonhap, North Korea on Thursday launched two ballistic missiles in the direction of the Sea of Japan. South Korean military authorities have not yet determined the type of missiles used this time.
Japan’s Kyodo News agency reports, based on government information, that both missiles landed within Tokyo’s exclusive economic zone. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said his country had lodged a formal protest with Pyongyang in response to the act.
This launch represents the first case of ballistic missiles since May 31, when North Korea tried to put its first reconnaissance satellite into orbit, but without success.
It should be noted that this event occurs within the framework of the largest live-fire exercises carried out by the United States and South Korea, located 25 kilometers from the border with North Korea, which began in May and will end this Thursday. These maneuvers also commemorate the 70th anniversary of the alliance between Seoul and Washington, as well as the 75th anniversary of the South Korean Armed Forces.
The drills involve F-35A fighter jets and self-propelled howitzers on the South Korean side, as well as F-16 fighter jets and Gray Eagle drones on the U.S. side. In total, more than 2,500 military personnel from both countries are involved in these joint maneuvers.