North Korea resumes missile tests, launches ballistics into East Sea

North Korea resumed its missile program Thursday, Sept. 12, launching several short-range ballistic missiles from Pyongyang that traveled 220 miles toward the East Sea, landing outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. This series of launches marks North Korea's return to missile testing after a two-month break.

The missile tests followed an unusual incident in which North Korea sent balloons filled with trash across the border to South Korea, many of which returned due to unfavorable wind conditions.

This latest demonstration follows North Korea's previous missile test on July 1 , involving a new tactical ballistic missile said to carry a 4.5-ton warhead. The launches come amidst increasing regional tensions and are perceived as responses to international pressures and military exercises involving the United States and South Korea.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, in close collaboration with U.S. and Japanese forces, remain on high alert for possible additional missile launches, closely monitoring the situation.

Japanese officials , led by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, have condemned the launches, describing them as threats to both national and international security. Japan continues to coordinate with allies to ensure rigorous monitoring and response strategies.

South Korea suggests the launches could be retaliatory, linked to recent joint military exercises with the U.S., and possibly serve as demonstrations for Russian military experts.

International responses have been swift, with nuclear envoys from South Korea, Japan, and the United States condemning the launches as violations of U.N. resolutions and pledging a coordinated response to any further provocations from North Korea.

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