North Korea launches ballistic missiles: 'Provocation' reaction

South Korea and Japan announced that North Korea has launched three ballistic missiles in the direction of the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

In a statement from the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, it was announced that North Korea launched three ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan between 07:44 and 08:22 local time. The statement said that the missiles, launched from near the capital Pyongyang, traveled approximately 300 kilometers before falling into the Sea of Japan.

The statement, which strongly condemned the tests, described the missiles as a "clear provocation" and stated that they "seriously threaten peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

The Japanese Ministry of Defense shared information that the North Korean missiles reached a maximum altitude of 50 kilometers and fell outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in his speech at a parliamentary session, reacted sharply, emphasizing that the missile tests violated United Nations Security Council resolutions. Describing the tests as "unacceptable," Prime Minister Kishida stated, "We strongly condemn this. North Korea's series of actions threatens the peace and security of our country, our region, and the international community."

It was announced that no damage was detected to maritime or aerial assets operating in the area where the missiles fell.

The tests took place ahead of the "Summit for Democracy" to be held in Seoul from March 18-20, which US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also scheduled to attend.

North Korea last tested a new type of "Padasuri-6" surface-to-sea cruise missile from the country's east coast on February 14.

News Source: AA