The North Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement that these missile tests “are the appropriate action by the Korean People’s Army against the joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States.”
She added that these exercises “causes an escalation of military tensions on the Korean peninsula,” according to “AFP.”
The isolated communist state has always viewed the maneuvers of the southerners and the Americans as a “prelude to an invasion.”
Last experience details
Earlier Thursday, Pyongyang launched two short-range ballistic missiles towards its east coast in the direction of Japan.
With the launch of these two missiles, the number of North Korean missile tests increased to six in less than two weeks.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff of the South Korean army and the Japanese government confirmed the test.
The launch of the two missiles came as a US aircraft carrier returned to the region, in response to Pyongyang’s latest missile tests.
US comment
The United States quickly condemned North Korea’s latest missile tests.
A US State Department spokesman said that the tests constitute a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a threat to regional neighbors and the international community.
However, the spokesman stressed that Washington is committed to the diplomatic approach and calls on the northerners to engage in dialogue, according to “Reuters”.
south korean statement
The South Korean Presidential National Security Council issued a statement strongly condemning the recent tests towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan.
He warned North Korea to take strong countermeasures against its recent actions.
The statement said President Yoon Seok-yeol was immediately informed of the missile launch, and the National Security Council held a meeting.
The North Korean tests took place in conjunction with the UN Security Council holding a session to discuss the issue.
For his part, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters, “This is the sixth time in this short period (…) This is absolutely unacceptable.”
#North #Korea #reveals #reason #missile #launch.. #Washington #Seoul #suspended