North Korea conducts missile launch into sea after US bomber drills

North Korea launched at least two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Wednesday, as confirmed by South Korea’s military. The launch took place shortly after the United States conducted separate air drills with B-1B bombers. Japan’s defense ministry reported the launch of at least one suspected ballistic missile, while local media in Japan stated that two missiles were fired and landed outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff stated in a release, “Our military has strengthened surveillance and vigilance in preparation for additional provocations, and is maintaining full readiness through close cooperation between Korea and the United States.”

The missile launch occurred the day before South Korea and the United States concluded their 11 days of combined military exercises, which have been criticized by Pyongyang.

Prior to the missile launch, the U.S. B-1B bombers had conducted air drills with warplanes from South Korea and Japan.

North Korea’s ballistic missile tests violate United Nations Security Council resolutions that have imposed strict sanctions on the country, due to its nuclear program.

The United States expressed concern over advancing arms negotiations between Russia and North Korea. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby stated that any arms deal would violate the imposed sanctions, adding that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu recently visited North Korea to persuade Pyongyang to sell artillery ammunition to Russia.

The U.S. and South Korean militaries aim to enhance the integration of their systems to track North Korean missile launches. U.S. Space Force officials mentioned that this effort may soon involve increased cooperation with Japan as well.

During an August 18 summit, U.S. President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida agreed to share real-time North Korea missile warning data by the end of this year.

Reporting by Chang-Ran Kim in Tokyo and Josh Smith in Seoul; Edited by Alison Williams, Alex Richardson, and Josie Kao.