North Korea launched ballistic missiles into the Yellow Sea amid paused US-South Korea military drills, following an accidental bombing incident that injured civilians. The South Korean Air Force chief publicly apologized for the mishap, while North Korea condemned the joint exercises, threatening repercussions for Seoul and Washington.
North Korea has reportedly fired unidentified ballistic missiles, as per South Korean military statements. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea detected the projectiles at approximately 1:50 PM, launched from North Korea’s Hwanghae region, with their trajectory directed toward the Yellow Sea, according to Yonhap news agency.
This incident occurs during the annual US-South Korea joint military drills known as the “Freedom Shield” exercise, which had been halted following an accidental bombing in a civilian village the previous week. During live-fire drills on Thursday, two KF-16 fighter jets inadvertently released eight MK-82 bombs outside a designated training area in Pocheon, causing injuries to 29 individuals, including 15 civilians.
In light of this incident, South Korea’s Air Force Commander publicly apologized, stating that it was an “accident that should never have happened, and one that should not recur,” as quoted by Yonhap. This acknowledgment followed significant scrutiny regarding military operations.
North Korea has denounced the joint exercises between the US and South Korea, issuing statements that described the drills as “dangerous provocative acts,” warning that Seoul and Washington would face severe consequences.
Additionally, in February, North Korea demonstrated its strategic capabilities by launching cruise missiles as a show of strength, with leader Kim Jong-un emphasizing the importance of war preparedness and the utilization of the country’s nuclear arsenal if necessary.
The recent missile firings by North Korea, coinciding with the suspension of joint South Korea-US military drills, highlight escalating tensions in the region. The accidental bombing incident and the subsequent public apology from South Korea’s Air Force underscore the precariousness of current military operations. North Korea’s sharp criticism and threats further illustrate the volatile security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula.
Original Source: www.newsx.com
