In its first missiles launch since the dramatic escalation of tension between Pyongyang and Washington, North Korea test-fired three short-range missiles into the Sea of Japan. It comes a day after Pyongyang lashed out at the ongoing US-South Korean military drills
The missiles were launched from Kittaeryong, in North Korea’s eastern Kangwon province. According to US Pacific Command spokesman Commander David Benham, two of the missiles fell into the water, while a third blew up at the launch pad.
« Initial assessment indicates three short-range ballistic missile launches. The first and third missiles at 11: 49am and 12: 19pm failed in flight, » Benham said in a statement, as quoted by ABC. « The second missile launch at 12: 07pm appears to have blown up almost immediately. »
The missiles flew 250 kilometers (155 miles) in a northeastern direction before falling into the sea, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The three launches come as the US and South Korean militaries hold the joint Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercises in South Korea, which Pyongyang considers to be a provocation and threat to its security.
