North Korea Fires Rockets into Yellow Sea After US-South Korea-Japan Drills
Following South Korea’s joint air drills with the US and Japan, North Korea launched over 10 rounds of rockets into the Yellow Sea, escalating regional tensions. The projectiles were fired from an upgraded launcher in Pyongyang, raising alarms about North Korea’s increasing military capabilities and ties with Russia.
In a notable escalation, North Korea launched multiple rounds of rockets into the Yellow Sea on Thursday morning. This action came merely a day after South Korea, alongside the United States and Japan, conducted joint air drills. The South Korean military confirmed the rocket fire originated from Sunan, near Pyongyang, and traveled northwest. Over 10 rounds were reported, indicating a significant military demonstration by the North.
Typically, South Korea classifies North Korea’s weaponry in these instances as short-range ballistic missiles, which are prohibited under UN Security Council resolutions. The projectiles were reported to have been fired from Pyongyang’s newly upgraded 240-millimeter multiple rocket launcher — a system that has raised concerns due to its ability to potentially target South Korean cities, including Seoul.
According to a South Korean military official, “The projectiles, believed to be multiple launch rockets, flew tens of kilometers before falling into the Yellow Sea.” Moreover, both South Korean and US intelligence services are currently monitoring the situation closely to gather more details regarding the launches.
Wednesday’s trilateral military air exercise marked the debut of such drills during the administration of newly elected president Lee Jae Myung. This comes amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, particularly following North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s increasingly close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which have sparked concerns in the region.
Recent reports suggest that North Korea has supplied weaponry and manpower, with up to 15,000 troops, to support Russia’s ongoing military endeavors in Ukraine. Such developments have prompted fears among South Korean officials that North Korea may gain economic aid and advanced military technology in exchange, which could further amplify its weapons development efforts.
Furthermore, Kim Jong Un has continued to bolster North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities. This year saw the successful construction of two new 5,000-ton naval destroyers. Kim has noted that these advancements reflect the “rapid transformation of our Navy.” The situation remains fluid as military exercises and missile tests may provoke further responses from involved countries.
The international community is on alert as North Korea continues to refine its military capabilities amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. Updates from the Korean Peninsula are keenly awaited as the situation develops further.
In summary, North Korea’s recent series of rocket launches into the Yellow Sea follows South Korea’s joint military drills with the US and Japan, underscoring the heightened tensions in the region. Kim Jong Un’s close alignment with Russia raises concerns regarding potential technological support for North Korea’s military programs. As the international community monitors developments closely, the situation remains dynamic and fraught with uncertainty.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
