North Korea launched a suspected missile toward the sea on Sunday as the reclusive country ramps up testing activities in response to U.S.-South Korean military drills that it views as an invasion rehearsal, The Associated Press reports. The launch, if confirmed, would be the North’s third round of weapons tests since the U.S. and South Korean militaries began joint military drills last week.
South Korea’s military has boosted its surveillance posture and maintains a readiness in close coordination with the United States.
The North views the drills as a practice to launch an invasion, though the United States and South Korea have steadfastly said their training is defensive in nature.
The latest U.S.-South Korean drills, which include computer simulations and field exercises, are to continue until Thursday the report states.
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The North Korean weapons recently tested include its longest-range Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile designed to strike the U.S. mainland. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the ICBM launch was meant to “strike fear into the enemies,” the North’s state media reported.
[Emergency alert]
North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow.
— PM’s Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) March 19, 2023
