North Korea launched ballistic missiles off its west coast, demonstrating continued military activities under Trump. At least two short-range missiles were reported, following North Korea’s condemnation of U.S.-South Korea military exercises. This launch is part of an ongoing pattern of missile testing amid regional tensions and North Korea’s collaboration with Russia.
North Korea has executed several ballistic missile launches from its west coast, indicating a continuation of missile tests despite Donald Trump’s reinstatement. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported at least two missiles were launched from Hwanghae Province. Preliminary assessments by Yonhap News suggest that the missiles are likely short-range ballistic missiles.
The initial launch following Trump’s inauguration happened shortly after North Korea condemned the joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, labeling them a war rehearsal. South Korea’s military responded by enhancing monitoring and maintaining operational readiness in tandem with the U.S.
The US-South Korea Freedom Shield 25 military exercises will continue until March 20, emphasizing North Korea’s escalating military ties with Russia. These drills mark the first military activity since Trump’s return to the White House, coinciding with North Korea’s threats to augment its nuclear arsenal.
This year, North Korea has already conducted several missile tests. On February 26, leader Kim Jong Un observed a strategic cruise missile launch. In January, North Korea tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile, claiming it was a test for a new hypersonic missile designed to target Pacific rivals.
During his previous term, Trump reduced some significant U.S.-South Korean military exercises amid diplomatic talks with Kim, which ultimately broke down. He has shown a willingness to revive discussions during his current term. After Trump’s inauguration, Kim asserted that confrontation with rival nations was “inevitable” and signaled an intention to bolster North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.
The missile launch also coincides with ongoing political instability in South Korea, following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s temporary martial law and subsequent impeachment.
Many recent missiles belong to the Hwasong-11 series, capable of transporting heavy warheads, including nuclear payloads. Both the U.S. and South Korea have accused Kim of supplying missiles to Russia to assist in the Ukraine conflict. Kim has emerged as a crucial ally for Putin, raising alarms regarding North Korea’s military enhancement with Russian assistance.
South Korean intelligence has indicated that North Korea may have dispatched additional personnel to Russia to aid Putin’s military after already sending thousands last year.
North Korea’s recent ballistic missile launches reveal its ongoing commitment to missile testing, as evidenced by at least two short-range missiles fired from Hwanghae Province. The actions come amidst heightened regional tensions, particularly due to joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises and North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia. These developments underscore the complex geopolitical landscape and North Korea’s strategic military ambitions, especially in light of Trump’s presidency and fluctuating political environments in South Korea and beyond.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
