North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) into the East Sea for more than an hour on the morning of the 8th, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff detected multiple projectiles presumed to be SRBMs from North Korea's Wonsan area between 8:10 a.m. and 9:20 a.m. The SRBMs launched by North Korea were of various types and are believed to have traveled up to 800 km before landing in the East Sea.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff noted, "The U.S. and South Korean intelligence agencies detected and monitored North Korea's missile launch preparations in advance and immediately tracked them upon launch," adding, "We closely shared relevant information with the United States and Japan." The Joint Chiefs of Staff are conducting a comprehensive analysis of the details of the missiles launched that day.
A Joint Chiefs of Staff official stated, "North Korea's missile launch is a clear provocative act that seriously threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and we strongly condemn it," and added, "The military is closely monitoring North Korean activities under a strong U.S.-South Korea combined defense posture to ensure that North Korea does not miscalculate in the current security situation."
This launch of North Korea's ballistic missiles is the first in about two months since March 10. It is the second since the inauguration of the Donald Trump administration on January 20.
Earlier, North Korea launched a medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile on January 6, an SRBM on January 14, and a conventional short-range ballistic missile (CRBM) on March 10, among other short-range ballistic missiles.
Some interpret that North Korea is considering exports to Russia while not provoking the Trump administration.