In a bold display of defiance, North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, drawing sharp rebuke from Japan. The launches, detected by regional militaries, underscore Pyongyang’s persistent missile program despite global sanctions.
Japan’s Defense Ministry tracked the first missile climbing to 80 km high and covering 350 km range. Fired from near Pyongyang at 3:50 PM, both projectiles landed beyond Japan’s economic waters, averting direct territorial violation.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba mobilized teams to assess impacts on shipping lanes and airways, emphasizing public safety. Tokyo’s top diplomat lodged a formal protest, decrying the launches as irresponsible and destabilizing.
U.S. Forces in Korea echoed vigilance, stating close collaboration with Seoul and Tokyo. Current evaluations indicate no imminent threat to U.S. troops or allies, but the event amplifies concerns over escalation.
Echoing recent patterns, this follows Kim Jong Un’s supervision of cruise missile tests last month. Those Yellow Sea exercises featured strikes lasting 10,199 and 10,203 seconds, validating strategic counterstrike capabilities.
The North Korean leader, while reviewing a hulking nuclear submarine blueprint, urged boundless nuclear advancement. State media touted the drills as proof of battle-ready deterrence.
Experts link these actions to Pyongyang’s reactions against U.S.-led military drills and economic pressures. Japan, bolstering its Aegis systems, urges multilateral pressure to curb further tests.
The international chorus grows louder for restraint, as stakeholders brace for potential chain reactions in this volatile corridor.
