North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile Amid US-South Korea Drills
North Korea conducted its second ballistic missile test in less than a week, launching the weapon toward the sea. The launch occurred as the US and South Korea prepared for joint military exercises.
Key takeaways
- North Korea conducted its second ballistic missile launch in under a week on Tuesday.
- The missile landed in waters outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
- The launch is viewed as a protest against upcoming joint military drills between the US and South Korea.
- These actions violate UN Security Council resolutions.
What Happened
North Korea launched a ballistic missile toward the sea on Tuesday, marking its second such launch in under a week. The missile, fired from the Wonsan area on the North's eastern coast around 6 a.m., traveled over 700 kilometers (435 miles). It landed in waters outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, located between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. The U.S. military confirmed it was monitoring the launch and consulting with allies.
Why It Matters
This latest missile test is seen as a protest against upcoming annual joint military drills between South Korea and the United States. North Korea views these exercises as a rehearsal for invasion. The launches, occurring in quick succession, are part of Pyongyang's ongoing weapons testing activities and its refusal to engage in talks with the U.S. and South Korea for years. Neighboring countries have expressed concern over the repeated launches, with Japan lodging a protest.
Background
The recent launch followed a test of a short-range ballistic missile on August 5. Both launches have prompted increased surveillance and coordination between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. North Korea's missile activities are in violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea are scheduled to begin soon, and North Korea has historically responded to such drills with provocative weapons tests.
Key Facts
- North Korea launched a ballistic missile on Tuesday.
- This was North Korea's second ballistic missile launch in less than a week.
- The missile was fired from the Wonsan area on North Korea's eastern coast.
- The missile flew over 700 kilometers (435 miles) and landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
- South Korea and the United States are preparing for annual joint military drills.
- Japan has protested the launch through its embassy in Beijing.
- North Korea's actions violate U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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