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North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles to sea, South Korea says
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- North Korea launched about 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Thursday, following a U.S. decision to significantly reduce joint military drills with South Korea.
- The missile launches occurred near North Korea’s capital and flew approximately 300 kilometers each, prompting South Korea to enhance surveillance and coordinate closely with the U.S. and Japan.
- Despite the U.S. scaling back the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises as a diplomatic gesture, North Korea dismissed the move as insufficient, with Kim Yo Jong stating the provocative nature of the drills remains unchanged.
- U.S. President Donald Trump expressed willingness to meet Kim Jong Un this year, but North Korea’s leadership has so far refrained from resuming talks without greater concessions from the U.S.
- The ongoing tensions reflect stalled diplomacy since 2019, with North Korea maintaining its nuclear program and seeking international recognition and sanctions relief while expanding military capabilities.
