North Korea Launches Rockets into Yellow Sea After US-South Korea-Japan Drills

North Korea fired over 10 rounds of rockets into the Yellow Sea following joint air drills by South Korea, the US, and Japan. The missiles, believed to be short-range ballistic types, were launched from Pyongyang and may threaten populated areas. This act underscores rising tensions linked to North Korea’s collaboration with Russia amid wider geopolitical threats.

In a notable escalation of tension, North Korea launched over ten rounds of rockets into the Yellow Sea on Thursday, marking a rapid response to recent military exercises conducted by South Korea, the US, and Japan. The launches occurred from Sunan, near Pyongyang, immediately following a trilateral air drill involving the three nations. South Korea’s military reported that the rockets were fired in a north-westerly direction.

Typically, South Korea classifies the weapons employed by North Korea as short-range ballistic missiles, posing clear violations of UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting such activities. According to reported estimates, the launches involved a 240-millimeter multiple rocket launcher, which was revealed to the public last year and is suspected to have capabilities that could strike areas, including the densely populated Seoul metropolitan region.

A South Korean military official conveyed that “the projectiles, believed to be multiple launch rockets, flew tens of kilometers before falling into the Yellow Sea.” The situation remains under close scrutiny, with both South Korean and US intelligence operatives monitoring developments.

This latest series of missile launches occurs against the backdrop of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, particularly after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un increased cooperation with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. Reports hint at North Korea supplying weaponry and possibly thousands of troops to bolster Russia’s operations amid its war in Ukraine. South Korean officials express strong concerns regarding potential exchanges that may enhance Pyongyang’s military capabilities.

In addition, the North Korean regime continues to bolster its military assets. Recently, Kim announced the successful construction of two new 5,000-ton naval destroyers, which he described as “convincing proof of the rapid transformation of our Navy.” This demonstrates a continued trajectory of advancement in the development of North Korea’s missile and nuclear capabilities.

The geopolitical climate remains fraught with potential implications for regional security, especially as North Korea’s military pursuits are closely interlinked with its relationships with other nations, including significant adversaries like the US, South Korea, and Japan.

The situation on the Korean Peninsula continues to be precarious, underscored by North Korea’s recent missile launches following joint military exercises by South Korea, the US, and Japan. The developments signal not just regional tensions, but also highlight North Korea’s growing military capabilities alongside its collaboration with Russia. Observers are keenly watching how these relationships might further alter the military landscape in the region.

Original Source: www.livemint.com