North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into the sea on Monday, just hours after South Korea and the United States commenced their largest annual military exercises, which Pyongyang has long denounced as a rehearsal for invasion.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the missile launches—the fifth such test this year—originated from North Korea’s southwestern Hwanghae province. However, officials did not immediately disclose details regarding the missiles’ range or trajectory. In response, South Korea strengthened its surveillance posture and is closely coordinating with U.S. forces, military officials said.
The missile tests coincided with the start of Freedom Shield, a large-scale command post exercise between South Korean and American forces. This year’s drills mark the first major combined training operation of President Donald Trump‘s second term, underscoring the administration’s continued focus on military readiness in the region. The exercises also include extensive field maneuvers, further heightening tensions with Pyongyang.
North Korea’s Foreign Ministry issued a stark warning Monday, declaring the drills a direct provocation that could escalate into “physical conflict” on the Korean Peninsula. The regime labeled the training exercises an “aggressive and confrontational war rehearsal” and reaffirmed leader Kim Jong Un‘s commitment to expanding North Korea’s nuclear capabilities in response to what he claims are growing threats from Washington and its Asian allies.
This is a breaking news story, more to follow.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.