Ajit Karn
Seoul: North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile on Thursday, according to the News agency and the South Korean military. This was the latest in a series of launches amid heightened regional tension.
The unidentified projectile was discharged into waters off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, according to the agency, which cited the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Faced with growing military and nuclear threats from the North, which has conducted a series of increasingly provocative and illegal weapons tests in recent months, Washington and Seoul have increased their defence cooperation.
The new display of force occurred hours before South Korean and Japanese leaders were to convene in Tokyo to discuss Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear programmes, and as South Korea and the United States conduct joint military exercises. North Korea asserts that these manoeuvres are invasion rehearsals.
According to the South Korean military, on Tuesday North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles in its first launch since the manoeuvres – the largest in five years – began.
And on Sunday, Pyongyang reportedly launched two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine in protest of the US-South Korea exercises.
The Freedom Shield exercises began on Monday and will continue for ten days.
Also read: Within 5 days, a Brazilian court has ordered Jair Bolsonaro to return Saudi jewels
In an uncommon move, Seoul’s military disclosed this month that the two allies’ special forces were conducting military exercises dubbed “Teak Knife” prior to Freedom Shield, which simulate precision strikes on North Korean facilities.
Allies have stated that the Freedom Shield exercises will focus on the “altering security environment” caused by North Korea’s redoubling of aggression.
