North Korea Launches Ballistic Missiles Amid US-South Korea Military Drills
- paolo bibat
- Mar 10
- 2 min read
North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles into the sea on Monday, hours after South Korea and the United States began their annual joint military exercises.
The missile launches, detected by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, originated from Hwanghae Province and marked Pyongyang’s fifth missile test of the year. While the exact range and flight details of the missiles remain undisclosed, the launches underscore escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
The military drills, known as "Freedom Shield," are scheduled to last 11 days and involve extensive field training exercises, including urban warfare, aerial assault maneuvers, and artillery drills. North Korea has long viewed these drills as provocative rehearsals for invasion.
In response, Pyongyang issued a statement condemning the exercises as “dangerous provocative acts” that increase the risk of military conflict. The North Korean Foreign Ministry warned that the drills could spark “physical conflict,” reiterating leader Kim Jong Un’s commitment to expanding his nuclear arsenal to counter perceived threats from Washington and Seoul.
The timing of the missile launches coincides with heightened scrutiny over South Korea’s military operations following a tragic error during a preparatory live-fire drill last week. Two South Korean KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly bombed a civilian area in Pocheon, near the North Korean border, injuring 30 people—two of them seriously.
The incident occurred when one pilot entered incorrect coordinates while another failed to visually confirm the target before releasing bombs. The South Korean Air Force has since suspended live-fire training and grounded aircraft from the unit involved in the mistake as investigations continue.
South Korean officials have apologized for the error, with Gen. Lee Youngsu, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, vowing to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. “This should have never happened and must never happen again,” Lee said during a public briefing.
Meanwhile, North Korea’s missile launches reflect its ongoing strategy to leverage military provocations amid stalled diplomatic efforts. Despite previous overtures for dialogue during President Donald Trump’s first term, relations between Pyongyang and Washington remain tense.
Analysts suggest that North Korea’s actions are aimed at demonstrating its defiance against joint military activities while signaling its readiness to escalate if necessary.
As Freedom Shield exercises continue through March 21, South Korea has bolstered its surveillance posture and is closely coordinating with U.S. forces to monitor further developments.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides maintaining firm stances amid growing concerns over potential miscalculations that could lead to broader conflict.
