North Korea launched ballistic missiles towards the Yellow Sea amid paused US-South Korea military drills due to an accidental bombing incident that injured civilians. The North denounced these exercises, threatening consequences. South Korea’s Air Force commander publicly apologized for the mishap, highlighting increasing military tensions in the region.
North Korea has launched unidentified ballistic missiles, according to reports from the South Korean military. The Joint Chiefs of Staff noted that at approximately 1:50 PM, the missiles were fired from North Korea’s Hwanghae region, directing their trajectory towards the Yellow Sea, as reported by Yonhap.
This missile launch coincides with South Korea and the United States initiating their annual military exercises, titled the ‘Freedom Shield.’ However, these drills were temporarily halted following an incident where fighter jets accidentally bombed a civilian area last week, resulting in injuries to 29 individuals, including 15 civilians.
The accidental bombing involved two KF-16 fighter jets that dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a designated training range located about 40 kilometers north of Seoul. Following this, South Korea’s Air Force commander publicly apologized for the mishap, emphasizing that it was an incident that “should never have happened” and must not recur.
In response to the ongoing US-South Korea exercises, North Korea has condemned the drills, issuing statements that threaten severe consequences for South Korea and the US, labeling their actions as “dangerous” provocations.
Previously, in February, North Korea demonstrated its military capabilities by launching strategic cruise missiles into the waters off its west coast, citing the need to enhance nuclear deterrence. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un urged comprehensive war readiness regarding the nation’s nuclear forces and their potential deployment.
In summary, North Korea’s ballistic missile launch serves as a stark reminder of ongoing tensions amid joint military exercises conducted by South Korea and the US. This comes after a recent accidental bombing incident during those drills, prompting a public apology from South Korea’s Air Force leadership. North Korea has responded vehemently, warning of severe repercussions for the perceived provocative actions by its neighbors.
Original Source: www.newsx.com
