North Korea Launches Missiles Amidst US-South Korea Military Exercises

North Korea has launched ballistic missiles towards the Yellow Sea as South Korea and the US began their joint military drills, paused after an accident involving South Korean fighter jets. The Air Force chief publicly apologized for the incident, while North Korea condemned the exercises and threatened consequences for the US and South Korea.

On Monday, North Korea launched unidentified ballistic missiles, according to reports from the South Korean military. The Joint Chiefs of Staff mentioned that the missiles were detected around 1:50 PM, originating from the Hwanghae region in North Korea, and flew towards the Yellow Sea, as reported by Yonhap.

This missile launch coincided with the commencement of South Korea and the United States’ annual joint military exercise, titled ‘Freedom Shield.’ However, the drills were temporarily halted following an accident where two KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly dropped eight MK-82 bombs outside a training range in Pocheon, resulting in injuries to 29 individuals, including 15 civilians.

In response to the bombing incident, the chief of South Korea’s Air Force publicly apologized, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Young-su stated that this was an “accident that should never have happened,” emphasizing the need for future prevention during a press briefing.

North Korea condemned the US-South Korea joint exercises, issuing statements that labeled the drills as a “dangerous provocative act.” Pyongyang warned that Seoul and Washington would face a “horrible” consequence for their actions, as reported by Yonhap.

In a previous display of military capability, North Korea launched strategic cruise missiles in February, reaffirming its commitment to nuclear readiness. Kim Jong-un has emphasized the importance of being prepared for potential conflict involving the nation’s nuclear forces.

In summary, North Korea’s recent missile launch occurred simultaneously with South Korea and the US’s joint military drills, which were temporarily paused due to a bombing incident. South Korea’s Air Force has publicly addressed the incident, while North Korea issued threats in response to the ongoing military exercises. The situation underscores the tension on the Korean Peninsula and the continuing military preparedness of both North Korea and its adversaries.

Original Source: www.newsx.com