On March 10, North Korea launched several ballistic missiles following the start of US-South Korean military exercises. About this informs AP.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff noted that this was North Korea’s fifth missile launch this year. The launches were recorded in the southwestern province of Hwanghae. It is reported that the missiles were short-range, but the range of their flight is not specified. The military also stressed that South Korea has strengthened its surveillance system and is closely coordinating with the United States.
On the same day, the South Korean and US militaries began the annual Freedom Shield command and staff exercise, the first large-scale joint exercise of Donald Trump’s second term as president. As part of the exercises, allies also participate in various field exercises.
North Korea’s foreign ministry has warned that the drills could trigger a “physical conflict” on the Korean peninsula. They called the maneuvers an “aggressive and confrontational rehearsal for war” and reaffirmed Kim Jong-un’s desire for a “radical increase” in nuclear forces to counter what he sees as growing threats from the United States and its Asian allies.
