The tension between North Korea and its neighboring countries continues to intensify. Pyongyang reportedly launched two ballistic missiles on Thursday evening, June 15, into the sea of Japan, the government of South Korea has confirmed.
North Korea Sends Ballistic Missiles to Japan Sea
A man watches a television screen showing a news broadcast with an image of a North Korean military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of its armed forces, at a railway station in Seoul on February 9, 2023. - North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversaw a major military parade showcasing a record number of nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missiles, state media reported on February 9, including what analysts said was possibly a new solid-fueled ICBM
Reports have emerged concerning the detecting two missiles launched by North Korea into a particular body of water, known as the East Sea from Sunan or the Sea of Japan. The launch occurred at 7:30 pm local time or 6:30 ET.
According to FoxNews, South Korea's military force expressed its preparedness and close collaboration with the United States (US). They have heightened their surveillance and alertness to be ready for any potential developments.
The ballistic missiles may have landed within an exclusive maritime zone, leading a prominent figure to voice their protest strongly. The launch has been criticized for escalating tensions.
These missile tests followed significant military exercises conducted by two nations near a highly fortified border.
The defense ministry of the aforementioned nation denounced the actions of certain military authorities, accusing them of exacerbating military tensions despite prior warnings. They warned of an anticipated response without providing specific details.
It has become a recurring pattern for North Korea to respond to joint military exercises with missile tests. Despite reports of an internal situation, Kim Jong-un allocated resources toward weapons development.
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Four Cruise Missiles Sent to the Sea of Japan in February
This was not the first time that North Korea delivered missiles to its adjacent nations. According to a previous report by France24, Kim and his team also launched four cruise missiles into the Sea of Japan back in February.
The renowned military leader said it's part of the ongoing drill for North Korea's development of nuclear combat force.
In the succeeding months, North Korea showed no signs of stopping its nuclear tests. In April, it managed to fire a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time. This was a crucial component of its plans to create a rocket that could bypass tight detections and hit the US anytime.
The following month, North Korea announced that it sent a spy satellite into the atmosphere. Unfortunately, it failed to launch. The US and its allies saw it as a sign that Kim is up for a military game.
The same instance has alarmed South Korea to heighten its defense and protect the people living in Seoul and Okinawa, per CBS News.
In 2022, North Korea did not only fire short-range ballistic missiles to the coast of South Korea. It also successfully flew warplanes over the said area. If that's the case, then Pyongyang is sending a strong message to its enemies about the strength of its defense and weaponry.
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