North Korea Fires Rockets into Yellow Sea After South…

North Korea fired multiple rockets into the Yellow Sea on Thursday after South Korea held joint air drills with the U.S. and Japan. The launches, believed to be short-range ballistic missiles, come amidst rising tensions and military advancements by Pyongyang, particularly in relation to its ties with Russia.

In a provocative move, North Korea launched more than ten rockets into the Yellow Sea on Thursday morning, just a day after South Korea conducted joint air exercises with the United States and Japan. These launches were traced back to Sunan, close to Pyongyang, and were aimed in a north-westerly direction, as reported by South Korea’s military.

The South Korean military typically labels these weapons as short-range ballistic missiles, a classification that violates United Nations Security Council resolutions barring North Korea from such tests, according to a report by Reuters. The rockets are suspected to have been fired from an upgraded multiple rocket launcher that North Korea revealed last year, capable of hitting densely populated areas including the greater Seoul region, according to the New York Post.

A military source from South Korea shared with reporters that “the projectiles, believed to be multiple launch rockets, flew tens of kilometers before falling into the Yellow Sea.” He also noted that both South Korean and U.S. intelligence teams are keeping a close watch on the situation.

Wednesday’s air drills marked the first trilateral military exercise among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan under the new leadership of President Lee Jae Myung, who was elected this month. This exercise reflects a tightening of military collaboration in response to escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

The situation has become increasingly tense, particularly following North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s strengthening ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reports suggest that North Korea may have supplied arms and a contingent of up to 15,000 troops to aid in Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This has raised alarms among South Korean officials, who worry that North Korea could receive economic support or advanced military technology in exchange, enhancing its own arms capabilities.

Moreover, Kim’s regime continues to enhance its nuclear and missile developments. Earlier this year, North Korea allegedly completed the construction of two new 5,000-ton destroyers. Kim personally labeled one of these ships as “convincing proof of the rapid transformation of our Navy.”

As tensions rise, both the regional and global responses remain closely monitored, signaling an increasingly complex and unsettled geopolitical landscape in East Asia. While the current escalation is noteworthy, this development forms part of a larger context of military posturing and diplomatic maneuvering in the region.

In summary, North Korea’s rocket launches come in the wake of South Korea’s joint military exercises with the U.S. and Japan, highlighting escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The situation underscores the ongoing arms development and military alliances being established by North Korea, particularly its ties with Russia. As the region braces for potential repercussions, military monitoring continues from both South Korean and U.S. forces.

Original Source: www.livemint.com