Washington, August 6: The U.S. military has reiterated its commitment to the security of its allied nations, acknowledging the recent ballistic missile launch by North Korea. This statement from the U.S. Pacific Command came just hours after North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea.
This launch occurred ahead of significant joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S., which North Korea has long viewed as preparations for a potential invasion.
According to the Yonhap News Agency, the command stated on its website, “We are aware of the missile launch and are in continuous contact with our allies and partner nations.”
The statement added, “Based on current assessments, this incident poses no immediate threat to U.S. personnel, U.S. territory, or our allied nations. The U.S. is fully committed to defending its homeland and its allies.”
Previously, on June 25, North Korea tested a tactical ballistic missile, new multiple rocket launchers, and other weapons.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the missile was launched from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s eastern coast around 5 PM. However, no further details about the missile were provided.
The JCS stated, “Our military remains fully alert and prepared while monitoring for potential additional launches. We are continuously sharing relevant information with the U.S. and Japan.”
The JCS also reported that South Korea and the U.S. are analyzing the technical characteristics of the launched missile. Both nations had detected North Korea’s activities and shared information from the initial preparation stages of the launch.
This launch occurred just before the annual joint military exercise ‘Ulchi Freedom Shield,’ which is expected to take place later this month.
In response to the incident, the National Security Office of South Korea’s presidential office convened an immediate meeting, including officials from the Ministry of Defense and the JCS. Officials were instructed to remain vigilant, maintain appropriate counter-preparations, and assess the impact of this launch on South Korea’s national security.
The presidential office condemned North Korea’s ballistic missile launch as a provocation and a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, demanding an immediate cessation of such actions.
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