North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles in Response to US-South Korea Joint Drills

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated as North Korea fired several ballistic missiles into the West Sea, coinciding with the commencement of large-scale joint military drills between the United States and South Korea, dubbed ‘Freedom Shield.’ South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the projectiles were launched from the Hwanghae Province. Authorities stated they would enhance surveillance and maintain full readiness in close cooperation with the U.S. Earlier, Pyongyang condemned the exercises as a provocation, warning that an accidental shot could ignite a war. The drills, which include field training and digital simulations, are scheduled to last until March 21. Relations between Pyongyang and Seoul remain at their worst in years, with North Korea continuing missile tests in defiance of UN resolutions. Technically, both Koreas are still at war since the Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty. The U.S. maintains a significant military presence in South Korea partly to ensure its protection. This week’s drills rank among the largest conducted by the allies in recent years.