SEOUL – North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Wednesday, just days before former U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned visit to East Asia, in a move widely seen as a show of defiance.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missiles were launched from areas near Pyongyang and flew approximately 350 kilometers before landing in waters east of the Korean Peninsula. Japan also confirmed the launch, stating that the projectiles did not enter its territorial airspace or waters.
This marks North Korea’s first ballistic missile test in several months and comes amid renewed diplomatic activity in the region, including upcoming high-level meetings between U.S., South Korean, and Japanese officials.
Regional analysts believe the timing of the launch was deliberate, signaling Pyongyang’s intent to assert its military stance ahead of any potential talks involving Trump and Asian leaders.
The United States and South Korea have condemned the launches, calling them a direct violation of UN Security Council resolutions and warning that continued provocations could invite stronger international responses.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.