North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile into the sea, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. The missile was fired from North Korea’s east coast into the Sea of Japan on Friday morning. This is North Korea’s second missile launch in less than a week.
South Korea’s military has increased its surveillance and is analyzing the missile’s details. The U.S. military is also aware of the launch and is closely monitoring the situation.
This latest missile launch comes amid tensions between North Korea and the United States. North Korea has conducted a series of missile tests in recent months, including several that have flown over Japan.
The United Nations has imposed several rounds of sanctions on North Korea in response to its missile and nuclear tests. The latest round of sanctions was adopted in December 2017 and targeted North Korea’s shipping and trade networks.
In response to the sanctions, North Korea has threatened to launch more missiles. It has also warned that it is developing a new, more powerful nuclear weapon.
In other news, South Korea and the United States have announced plans to hold joint military exercises next month. The exercises will involve air, land and sea drills and will take place from August 16 to 26. This will be a scaled-back version of the larger exercises that have taken place in previous years.
The decision to hold the joint exercises comes after a meeting between U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo. The two officials discussed ways to enhance the alliance between the two countries and to address the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
The joint exercises are expected to involve around 17,500 U.S. troops and 50,000 South Korean troops. The exercises are also likely to include some form of live-fire training, according to South Korean officials.
In conclusion, North Korea’s latest missile launch has raised concerns about the country’s nuclear and missile programs. The joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States are aimed at addressing these concerns and strengthening the alliance between the two countries. It remains to be seen what further action will be taken to deal with North Korea’s growing threat.