North Korea Launches Barrage of Missiles Amid Tensions

North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea on Thursday, according to South Korea’s military. This action comes a day after North Korea dismissed a U.S. decision to reduce military exercises with South Korea, aiming to restart diplomatic engagement.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported approximately 10 short-range missiles were launched from the capital region around 5 p.m. (0800 GMT). Each missile traveled about 300 kilometers (185 miles) toward North Korea’s eastern waters. In response, South Korea increased its surveillance efforts and coordinated closely with the U.S. and Japan. South Korea’s presidential national security council urged North Korea to stop these missile launches.

The Japanese prime minister’s office also detected the missile launch. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously ordered a significant reduction in the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, set to begin on Monday, citing positive relations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a lack of South Korean support for actions in Iran.

On Wednesday, both South Korean and U.S. forces confirmed they shortened the annual military drills, reducing their length significantly and canceling some field training exercises. This move raised concerns about the strength of the joint defense efforts between the two countries.

Kim Yo Jong, sister of Kim Jong Un, criticized the U.S. gesture, emphasizing the drills remain provocative despite their reduced scale. She refuted Trump’s claim of communication between the leaders and noted that relations between her brother and Trump remain strong. This suggests a wait for more substantial U.S. concessions before talks resume.

When asked about meeting Kim Jong Un this year, Trump confirmed he would, though he did not elaborate on communication with the North Korean leader.

The Ulchi Freedom Shield is a key exercise conducted annually by the U.S. and South Korea to enhance defenses against potential North Korean aggression. Though labeled defensive by Washington and Seoul, North Korea views these drills as offensive preparations and often responds with its own tests.

Prior to this year’s drills, North Korea accused the U.S. and South Korea of planning provocative exercises and promised new levels of deterrence. Previously, North Korea tested two ballistic missiles before the drills commenced in its first such activity since late June.

Diplomacy between Trump and Kim Jong Un in 2019 ended due to disagreements over sanctions relief in exchange for dismantling part of North Korea’s nuclear complex. Since then, Kim has avoided discussions with the U.S., focusing on enhancing North Korea’s weaponry and working with Russia. He has been clear about keeping the nuclear program off the negotiation table. Experts suggest Kim is seeking global recognition as a nuclear power and aims for significant sanctions relief for minimal denuclearization steps.

Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed from Tokyo.