The U.S. Department of Defense issued a statement on Wednesday condemning North Korea’s launch of several ballistic missiles. The Pentagon urged Pyongyang to refrain from further illegal and destabilizing activities.
A Defense Department spokesperson, responding to an inquiry from News1, stated that they are tracking North Korea’s ballistic missile launches and are in close coordination with our allies and partners in the region, including South Korea and Japan.
The official added that while the initial assessment indicates no immediate threat to U.S. personnel, territory, or allies, they continue to monitor the situation closely. The unwavering commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan remains resolute.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported detecting several short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) launched northeast from the Junghwa area in North Hwanghae Province at approximately 8:10 a.m. (South Korean time) on Wednesday.
The missiles traveled about 350 kilometers (about 217 miles). U.S. and South Korean forces are conducting a detailed analysis of the missile types and specifications.
The JCS explained that U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) intelligence agencies had been closely monitoring North Korea’s missile launch preparations and tracked the missiles immediately after launch. They promptly shared the relevant information with the U.S. and Japanese counterparts.
This marks North Korea’s first ballistic missile test in over five months, since May 8, and the first since President Lee Jae Myung took office.
Analysts suggest this launch may be a calculated show of force, particularly as President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping prepare to visit South Korea for a summit during next week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting.
Some experts believe that through this missile launch, North Korea is signaling its disinterest in dialogue with the U.S. While no official statement has been made by the White House, diplomatic sources indicate that a meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during the visit cannot be entirely ruled out.
The missile test also comes on the heels of Sanae Takaichi’s inauguration as Japan’s Prime Minister. Takaichi, known for her hawkish stance, is expected to pursue a tougher approach toward North Korea, including intensified efforts to resolve the longstanding abduction issue.
