Key facts
- North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Wednesday.
- The missile was launched from the Wonsan area at approximately 6 a.m.
- The missile traveled over 700 kilometers.
- This is the second missile launch by North Korea in less than a week.
- The launches are seen as a protest against upcoming U.S.-South Korea military exercises.
- South Korea's National Security Office urged North Korea to cease provocations.
North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Wednesday, according to South Korea's military. This marks the second such launch in less than a week and is viewed as a protest against upcoming combined military exercises between South Korea and the United States.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported the missile was launched from the Wonsan area on the east coast around 6 a.m. It traveled over 700 kilometers, with South Korean and U.S. authorities conducting a detailed analysis of its specifications. Intelligence agencies from both countries monitored the launch and shared information with Japan, maintaining a state of readiness.
The JCS stated that the military is closely monitoring North Korean activities and is prepared to respond to any provocations. This latest launch follows a similar event six days prior, where North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile. Pyongyang has consistently denounced the planned South Korea-U.S. drills as rehearsals for war and has conducted weapons tests in protest.
South Korea's National Security Office expressed concern over the repeated missile launches, urging Pyongyang to cease actions that violate U.N. Security Council resolutions. An emergency meeting was held by the NSO with defense and military officials to assess the situation and implement necessary measures. This incident represents the 11th ballistic missile launch by North Korea this year.