Why has North Korea fired a missile ahead of US-South Korea drills?
Summary
North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the sea near its east coast just before the United States and South Korea began their joint military exercises called Ulchi Freedom Shield. The missile flew about 700 km and landed in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. North Korea has not explained the launch but often fires missiles before these annual drills, which it calls provocative.Key Facts
- North Korea fired a ballistic missile from Wonsan area on its east coast early Wednesday.
- The missile traveled over 700 kilometers and landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
- This was the second missile test by North Korea in less than a week.
- The US-South Korea joint military drills, called Ulchi Freedom Shield, run from August 17 to 27.
- About 18,000 South Korean troops and 28,500 US troops participate in these exercises.
- North Korea regularly opposes these drills, seeing them as preparations for invasion.
- The US and South Korea say the drills are defensive, focusing on countering North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
- North Korea’s growing military ties with Russia are a concern mentioned in relation to these drills.
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