North Korea launches suspected ballistic missile into East Sea for second time
North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the South Sea the day after the US and South Korea called for cooperation. This was the second suspected ballistic missile launched by the country.
South Korean media reported that North Korea fired another suspicious ballistic missile into the East Sea on Saturday. The incident occurred a day after the US and South Korea warned of impending "tabletop" military exercises.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean Chiefs of Staff (JCS) confirmed the missile launch but did not provide details.
North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile on January 1. It was the second missile test that took place after that.
The latest launch comes just a day after the South Korean military announced a "desktop" exercise at the Pentagon on Wednesday in which top US and South Korean policymakers will participate in simulating North Korean attacks.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry then issued a statement warning both countries that they would face "unprecedentedly persistent and strong counteractions."
If the US option is to show its muscle and counter everything with muscle, Pyongyang's option is the same, it stated.
COOPERATION AGREEMENT FROM WASHINGTON AND SEUL
Earlier this month, during a meeting in Seoul, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and his South Korean counterpart Lee Jong-sup agreed to increase the scope and scale of this year's combined military exercises and training.
Washington and Seoul also agreed to collaborate closely in the future to ensure that US strategic assets are deployed in a timely and coordinated manner.
Tensions on Korean Peninsula escalated late last year when North Korea launched at least 60 missiles while South Korea and the US held joint military exercises.
(AA)
