North Korea launches ballistic missiles toward sea after military drill it sees as threat

North Korea launched ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Saturday following a series of joint military drills conducted by the United States, South Korea, and Japan. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the detection of the projectile, marking the latest in a series of missile tests conducted by Pyongyang during regional military exercises.

North Korean officials have characterized the trilateral military drills as a direct threat and a rehearsal for an invasion. In response to the exercises, the North Korean Defence Minister issued a warning that the country would pursue strong countermeasures based on its military power, framing the missile launch as a reaction to the perceived provocation.