SEOUL, South Korea: A North Korean missile launch sent multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea on Saturday, a day after the United States, South Korea and Japan ended joint military exercises.
South Korea’s military said it detected several launches from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s eastern coast. Seoul increased surveillance and exchanged information with Washington and Tokyo.
U.S. Pacific Command said it was tracking the launches and consulting closely with regional allies and partners.
The command said its assessment showed no immediate threat to U.S. personnel, territory or allied countries. It reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to defending the United States and its regional allies.
Read: North Korea Fires About 10 Missiles After US Cuts Drills
The launches came after the United States, South Korea and Japan completed the five-day Freedom Edge exercise in international waters near South Korea’s Jeju Island.
South Korea described the trilateral exercise as defensive and aimed at improving joint responses to North Korea’s nuclear threats.
Read: North Korea Fires More Than 10 Ballistic Missiles During US-South Korea Drills
North Korean Defence Minister Kim Song Gi criticised the drills after they began and warned that Pyongyang could take what he called “strong” countermeasures.
