North Korea fires possible ballistic missiles during US-South Korea military drills

North Korea reportedly fired at least one unidentified projectile toward the sea off its east coast on Saturday, marking a significant move in response to ongoing military exercises between the United States and South Korea.

The projectile was fired toward the sea off North Korea’s east coast, the South Korean military revealed in a brief message to reporters. While no further details were provided, Japan’s coast guard said the projectile appeared to have fallen into the sea. In this regard, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported that it likely landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

Soul and Washington initiated five days annual military exercises which they say are purely defensive, aimed at maintaining readiness against military threats. The allies maintain that the drills are purely defensive to test joint readiness and operational capabilities; however, North Korea views them as dress rehearsals for an invasion.

The regime has frequently expressed its anger through military demonstrations. Additionally, South Korea’s prime minister met US President Donald Trump on Thursday in Washington to analyze ways to promote dialogue with the North, which has been suspended since 2019.