North Korea launched ballistic missiles toward the sea on Saturday, according to its neighbors, a day after the United States, South Korea, and Japan concluded a trilateral military drill. North Korea had previously characterized the exercise as a security threat.
South Korea’s military reported detecting multiple missile launches from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s eastern coast. The military stated that South Korea has increased its surveillance and is closely coordinating information regarding the launches with the U.S. and Japan.
The U.S. Pacific Command confirmed that the missile launches do not pose an immediate threat to U.S. territory or its allies. The command reiterated the U.S. commitment to the defense of the homeland and regional allies.
The five-day "Freedom Edge" exercise, which concluded Friday, was described by South Korea’s military as defensive in nature. Its stated purpose was to enhance joint response capabilities against North Korean nuclear threats.
Hours after the drill began on Monday, North Korea's defense minister, Kim Song Gi, had criticized the exercise. He issued a warning that North Korea was capable of enacting "strong and reflective countermeasures from the standpoint of power."