politics
North Korea launches 10 ballistic missiles as US and South Korea continue joint military drills
North Korea fired 10 ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Thursday evening, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. The missiles were reportedly launched shortly after 5 p.m. local time, and originated from the “Pyongyang area.” The launches come amid a rise in tensions between North and South Korea as the latter conducts its annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military drills with the United States.
TL;DR
- North Korea fired 10 ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Thursday evening.
- The launches originated from the Pyongyang area and occurred during South Korea's joint military drills with the United States.
- These drills, Ulchi Freedom Shield, were shortened by President Trump.
- Trump cited the cost of the exercises and South Korea's refusal to aid U.S. operations in Iran as reasons for the reduction.
- North Korea's launches followed Trump's announcement of a planned meeting with Kim Jong Un in 2026.
- The missile launches are prohibited under U.N. Security Council resolutions.
- South Korea's national security council condemned the launches and urged North Korea to stop.