Pyongyang, March 14: North Korea launched approximately 10 ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Saturday, according to a statement from the South Korean military. The launch occurred while the United States and South Korea conducted their annual “Freedom Shield” military exercises, which the North has historically viewed as rehearsals for a potential invasion.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the missiles originated from the Pyongyang region. While the specific flight distance was not immediately released, the Japanese Defense Ministry confirmed that the projectiles landed in international waters outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. In response to the activity, South Korean officials affirmed that they have increased surveillance and are maintaining a high state of readiness in coordination with Washington and Tokyo.
The current 11-day joint drills are described by the allies as defensive in nature, designed to test readiness against regional threats. However, the launches follow a warning from Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who asserted that the exercises undermine stability at a time of global insecurity. She maintained that any challenge to North Korean safety would lead to significant consequences.
“The military is closely monitoring the situation and remains prepared for any additional provocations,” the Joint Chiefs of Staff declared.
The incident comes amid speculation in South Korean media regarding the potential relocation of U.S. missile defense assets, such as the THAAD or Patriot systems, to support operations in the Middle East. While the office of President Lee Jae Myung stated it could not confirm specific U.S. military movements, officials declared that the allies’ defense posture against North Korea remains robust and unaffected by global shifts in military assets.
