North Korea fires ballistic missiles as US-South Korea hold military drills

"Japan estimates that the missiles reached a maximum altitude of 80 kilometres (50 miles) and flew approximately 340 kilometres before landing near the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, outside Tokyo's exclusive economic zone. Early reports indicate that no damage has been reported by nearby aircraft or ships."

"South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff separately confirmed that Pyongyang had fired approximately 10 ballistic missiles towards the East Sea, which is also known as the Sea of Japan, according to Yonhap News Agency. The JCS said the incident marks the third time North Korea has fired ballistic missiles since the start of the year."

"The North earlier this week protested the start of the 10-day Freedom Shield exercises, which involve thousands of troops from South Korea and the US and run until March 19. Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused Seoul and Washington of destroying the stability of the Korean Peninsula and muscle flexing near its border."

North Korea launched approximately 10 ballistic missiles from its west coast in a northeastern direction, reaching a maximum altitude of 80 kilometers and traveling roughly 340 kilometers before landing near the Korean Peninsula's east coast. The missiles landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone with no reported damage to aircraft or ships. This incident represents the third ballistic missile launch by Pyongyang since the year began. The launches occurred during the Freedom Shield exercises involving South Korean, US, and Japanese forces. North Korea's Kim Yo Jong protested these military exercises, accusing Seoul and Washington of destabilizing the Korean Peninsula through military displays near its border. South Korean, Japanese, and US forces maintained heightened surveillance for potential additional launches.

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