North Korea fires two missiles after end of joint drills by U.S., South Korea and Japan
SUMMARY
North Korea test-fired two ballistic missiles on Monday, following the conclusion of the "Freedom Edge" joint military exercises by the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. One missile reportedly flew abnormally. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff condemned the launches as provocations and a threat to regional peace. The drills aimed to improve joint defense capabilities against North Korea's nuclear threats and China’s assertiveness. North Korea’s Foreign Ministry denounced the drills, likening the trilateral partnership to an Asian NATO and vowing "offensive and overwhelming" responses to defend its sovereignty. The launches came amid heightened tensions and recent defense agreements between North Korea and Russia.
