Key Takeaways
- North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area.
- South Korean and U.S. authorities are analyzing the missiles' specifications.
- South Korea convened an emergency security meeting following the launch.
North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area towards the sea off its east coast, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The missiles were launched around 5:20 a.m. (2020 GMT on Friday) and flew approximately 250 km (155 miles).
South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities had tracked and shared information on the launches from the outset, while Japan was also informed of the launches. The JCS stated, 'South Korea’s military is closely monitoring North Korean activity and maintaining the capability and readiness to respond overwhelmingly to any provocation under its combined defence posture with the United States.'
Following the launch, South Korea’s presidential National Security Office convened an emergency security meeting involving the defence ministry, the JCS, and other relevant agencies. The meeting reviewed the government’s response, assessed the impact on South Korea’s security, and examined necessary measures.
The JCS urged North Korea to immediately stop ballistic missile launches, calling them a serious violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. South Korea’s presidential office echoed this call, emphasizing the need for North Korea to cease such actions.
U.S. Pacific Command stated it was aware of the launches and was consulting closely with allies and partners. Based on its current assessment, the launches did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, territory, or allies. The U.S. remains committed to the defense of the U.S. homeland and its allies in the region.
Last month, North Korea launched more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles and ordered its military to maintain full readiness during South Korea’s ongoing joint exercises with the United States. These exercises were conducted to test readiness against North Korea’s missile and nuclear weapons threats.
Separately, U.S. President Donald Trump had previously scaled back military drills, describing them as hostile to Pyongyang, and expressed his expectation of meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year.
