North Korea asserts that it has launched two short-range ballistic missiles, simulating nuclear strikes on military installations in South Korea.
These tests were conducted to caution against the US positioning strategic bombers in the vicinity, BBC has reported.
According to South Korean media, these missiles were fired from the eastern coastline close to midnight.
These launches coincide with the annual joint military drills by Washington and Seoul, which consistently incite a reaction from North Korea. Pyongyang has consistently denounced these joint exercises as practice for a potential US invasion. North Korea's military stated that the missiles were fired late on Wednesday as part of a drill to simulate "tactical nuclear strike exercises, mimicking strikes on key command centers and operational airfields" in South Korea.
The military asserted, "These exercises are intended to send a clear message to adversaries," who are "confronting us with military threats, such as deploying strategic nuclear assets, despite our repeated warnings."
South Korea's Unification Ministry strongly censured Pyongyang for openly revealing its intent to attack the South.
A representative of the ministry conveyed, "The more North Korea fixates on military threats and provocations, the more frequently it will encounter forceful retaliatory actions from South Korea, the US, and Japan."
Japan's Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, also criticized the missile launches, stating that they imperiled not only Japan's stability but also the global community. North Korea has conducted an unprecedented number of weapon tests this year. The latest test occurred just before South Korea and the US concluded their 11-day Ulchi Freedom Guardian joint military exercises.
As per South Korean media, at least one US B-1B strategic bomber participated in the defense exercises, flying over the Korean peninsula. Reportedly, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un observed these exercises, preparing his top leadership for an all-out conflict with the South, as reported by state media.
The exercises simulated repelling a surprise invasion, followed by launching a counter-invasion aimed at occupying "the entire territory of the southern half."
Despite UN sanctions, Kim Jong-un has consistently pledged to escalate his country's nuclear warhead production and develop more potent armaments. Throughout this year, Pyongyang has maintained its routine missile tests, following a record-breaking number launched in 2022, including those capable of reaching US territories.
In recent months, North Korea attempted to launch two space satellites, but these attempts ended in failure. Meanwhile, the US reported on Wednesday that Pyongyang was actively engaging in discussions with Russia over a potential arms agreement.
Last month, Russia's defense minister visited Pyongyang, where he was shown North Korea's weaponry in a highly-publicized tour. The US alleges that Mr. Shoygu used this visit to encourage North Korea to sell arms and ammunition.
A spokesperson for the US National Security Council, John Kirby, stated, "Subsequent to these talks, high-level discussions could continue in the coming months."
Kirby mentioned that "among these possible agreements, Russia would acquire substantial quantities and various types of ammunition that Russian forces intend to use in Ukraine."
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