North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Into Sea, Tensions Rise Ahead of US-South Korea Drill

Korea: North Korea has once again created a stir on the Korean Peninsula. Early Wednesday morning, Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile toward the Sea of ​​Japan. This test has happened just when America and South Korea are going to start their biggest joint military exercise from next week.

The South Korean Army has confirmed this missile launch.

When and from where was the missile fired?

According to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), North Korea fired this missile from the Wonsan area at around 6 am on Wednesday. The missile was fired towards the East Sea i.e. the Sea of ​​Japan.

The South Korean military tracked the missile soon after launch and shared information with the US and Japan. Japan's defence ministry also described it as a ballistic missile and said that it probably fell in the sea.

Why did tension increase before the manoeuvre?

Most of the discussion is about the timing of this missile test. The 11-day long joint exercise 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' between America and South Korea is starting from next week.

About 28,500 American soldiers deployed in South Korea and about 18,000 South Korean soldiers will participate in this exercise. Both countries say that this exercise is only to strengthen their security so that any possible threat can be dealt with.

Why does North Korea have so many problems with this practice?

Pyongyang has been opposing these maneuvers of America and South Korea since the beginning. North Korea alleges that in the name of exercises, preparations are made for military action against it.

For this reason, whenever such an exercise takes place, North Korea shows its strength by firing missiles. Experts believe that this time's test is also an attempt to send a direct message to America and South Korea.

North Korea expert Lim Yul-chul says, "To date, Pyongyang has not left any US-South Korea exercise without responding. This missile test is an indication that it is keeping a close eye on the upcoming exercises."

Why is North Korea angry at Japan also?

North Korea's target is not only America and South Korea. He is also continuously raising questions on Japan's increasing military preparedness.

Japan is continuously increasing its defense budget and plans to deploy missile systems on remote islands. Japan's inister, Shinjiro Koizumi himself has talked about further strengthening the country's military strength.

Regarding these preparations, North Korea has even called Japan a 'country moving towards war', due to which the tension between the two countries has further increased.

Why is North Korea's name coming up in the Russia-Ukraine war?

Now North Korea's role is not limited to East Asia only. America and its allies are concerned about its alleged role in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ukraine alleges that Russia has used North Korean missiles in attacks against it. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky himself has claimed that Russia is getting more ballistic missiles and soldiers from North Korea.

The US and South Korea say that North Korean soldiers returning from the war with Russia are bringing with them the experience of modern warfare, which is a major threat to regional security.

What could happen next?

This missile test on Wednesday is considered to be part of Pyongyang's strategy before the upcoming exercises. If North Korea conducts more missile tests or increases its military activities in the coming days, tensions in the Korean Peninsula could deepen.

At present, South Korea, America and Japan are keeping an eye on every action of North Korea. Now all eyes are on the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise and North Korea's reaction to it.