North Korea has again launched a ballistic missile toward the sea

North Korea launched a ballistic missile overnight (between Tuesday and Wednesday) from the east of the country toward the sea, South Korean and Japanese authorities reported. According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the missile fell into the sea and caused no damage. The launch comes against the backdrop of rising tensions in the region, days before the start of joint military exercises by the USA and South Korea.

The South Korean military stated that the missile was launched from the Wonsan area on the east coast of North Korea and flew a distance of more than 700 km. In Seoul, they announced that the military has increased monitoring of Pyongyang's activities and readiness for the possibility of further launches, while coordinating and sharing information with the USA and Japan.

The launch took place days before the "Ulchi Freedom Shield" exercise, which is scheduled to be held between August 17 and August 27 with the participation of the US and South Korean militaries. Pyongyang tends to view joint exercises as preparation for an invasion of its territory, and the current launch may constitute a direct message against the holding of the exercise. The USA, South Korea, and Japan continue their security coordination in the face of the North Korean threat.