With barrage of missiles, Pyongyang responds to US-South Korea military drills

North Korea launched over 10 ballistic missiles into the sea on Saturday while U. S. and South Korean forces conducted military drills.

Japan’s coast guard indicated that a missile might have fallen into the sea, but outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

The missiles were fired from near Pyongyang at around 1:20 p.m. toward the east coast. North Korea has been testing ballistic and cruise missiles for over two decades to develop nuclear delivery systems, despite facing multiple U. N. Security Council sanctions since 2006.

These sanctions have significantly impacted its trade, economy, and defense. The U. S. and South Korea are conducting annual military exercises, which they claim are defensive and focus on readiness against North Korean threats.

North Korea considers these drills as preparations for potential attacks. On Thursday, South Korea’s Prime Minister met President Trump to talk about reopening dialogue with North Korea, with Trump keen to meet with Kim Jong Un.