The United States and South Korea launched eight surface-to-surface missiles on Monday toward the sea off the east coast of the Korean peninsula in response to North Korea’s missile test.
The Gateway Pundit previously reported that North Korea fired 8 short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Sunday a day after South Korea and the United States wrapped up their joint military exercises in the Philippine Sea, according to Yonhap News Agency.
North Korea fired eight short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) toward the East Sea on Sunday, a day after Seoul and Washington wrapped up their joint drills near the peninsula involving a U.S. aircraft carrier, according to the South’s military.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the launches were detected from 9:08 a.m. to 9:43 a.m. from areas around Sunan in Pyongyang. Further details were not immediately available. An informed source earlier said missiles were launched from at least two locations.
Eight surface-to-surface Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) were launched in response to North Korea’s provocation. Seven were fired by South Korea and one by the U.S.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that “even if North Korea provokes with missiles from multiple locations, (South Korea and the US have) the ability and readiness to immediately strike with precision,” CNN reported.
The missile exchange comes as North Korea intensifies its provocations in the region, amid heightened concerns that Pyongyang is preparing a nuclear test.
It also follows a shifting tone toward North Korean aggression in Seoul, following the election of new South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who took office on May 10. Yoon has consistently emphasized his tougher stance on North Korea and desire to strengthen the South’s military — a departure from predecessor Moon Jae-in, who had promoted dialogue and peaceful reconciliation.
The president vowed to respond “firmly and sternly” to North Korean provocations during a speech marking South Korea’s Memorial Day on Monday.North Korea’s launch on Sunday is its third missile test since the start of Yoon’s term and the 17th this year.
Pyongyang’s previous launch occurred on May 25 as US President Joe Biden was returning to the US after a trip to Asia. Biden’s trip included a stop in Seoul during which the American President and his South Korean counterpart agreed to begin discussions on restarting and potentially expanding joint military drills that had been halted under his predecessor Donald Trump.
The US and South Korea also fired missiles in response to the May 25 North Korean missile launch. Including Monday’s launch, South Korea has fired back three times this year, after a hiatus since 2017.