URGENT UPDATE: North Korea has just test-fired two newly developed missiles, according to state media reports. The launches occurred on Saturday, coinciding with ongoing military drills conducted by the United States and South Korea in the region.
The missiles are designed to target aerial threats, including attack drones and cruise missiles, as reported by the Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) on Sunday. Details remain scarce, but state media referred to the missiles as “improved” versions, highlighting their reliance on “unique and special technology.”
This military escalation comes just days after the launch of the annual joint military exercises named Ulchi Freedom Shield 25, which began on Monday and are set to continue through Thursday. The U.S. State Department clarified that the drills reaffirm the “ironclad commitment” to defend both nations against emerging threats.
The drills have drawn fierce criticism from North Korean officials, who label them as destabilizing and accuse the U.S. and South Korea of undermining the balance of power in the region.
A spokesperson for the Korean People’s Army expressed that these “reckless” exercises are pushing the Korean Peninsula into “extreme tension.” Kim Jong Un was reported to have stated during a recent naval destroyer tour that the U.S.-South Korea drills could “ignite a war,” underscoring the heightened stakes in the region.
North Korean state media published images of Kim meeting with military officials, showcasing the missiles mid-air. However, the exact location of the missile tests has not been disclosed.
As the situation develops, analysts urge close monitoring of the ongoing military activities. The international community is on high alert, as these recent actions could have significant implications for regional stability.
Expect further updates as more information becomes available on North Korea’s missile capabilities and the responses from the U.S. and South Korea.
