North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles at sea, while South Korea warns of ‘serious provocation’

North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles Tuesday morning that landed off the country’s east coast, officials said.

The latest missile launch is taking place both in the United States and South Korea to continue joint military exercises in the region, which Pyongyang has repeatedly condemned. Seoul called the action a “serious provocation” and said it would destabilize the region.

The missiles were launched from the southwestern coastal town of Jangion and traveled approximately 385 miles. North Korea before landing at sea, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

The reported range suggests the missiles could be aimed at South Korea, where about 28,000 US troops are stationed.

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FILE - A TV screen shows an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during a news program at the Seoul Train Station in Seoul, South Korea, March 13, 2023.

FILE – A TV screen shows an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during a news program at the Seoul Train Station in Seoul, South Korea, March 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Lee ​​Jinman)

According to the US Indo-Pacific Command, the launches do not pose an immediate threat to US forces or their allies.

The US commitment to the security of South Korea and Japan remains “iron-clad,” the command said, despite the “destabilizing effect” of the North’s recent tests.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that preliminary information does not report any damage to Japanese territory, although they are still collecting details.

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Pyongyang said the missile tests are being conducted as a show of force, while US and South Korean military forces are conducting exercises and combat simulations on the Korean peninsula.

FILE - U.S. Army Apache helicopters park at a training ground in Yeongcheon, near the border with North Korea, March 13, 2023.

FILE – U.S. Army Apache helicopters park at a training ground in Yeongcheon, near the border with North Korea, March 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-jun)

These military exercises are expected to last until March 23.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last week ordered the military to stand ready to counter what he called “feverish war preparations” from the South.

North Korea tested more than 70 missiles last year alone, many of which are capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Pyongyang has also openly threatened to use them in conflicts with the US and South Korea.

Diplomatic relations between the three countries that led to the successful suspension of the North’s nuclear program in accordance with the agreements former US President Donald Trump — have reached an impasse, and there are no peace talks under President Biden.

North Korean troops simulate an attack on South Korea as Kim watches

North Korea has used its time away from the negotiating table to develop its missile arsenal. The country could then use these weapons as leverage in future negotiations.

A TV screen shows an image of a North Korean missile launch during a news program at the Seoul Train Station in Seoul, South Korea on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

A TV screen shows an image of a North Korean missile launch during a news program at the Seoul Train Station in Seoul, South Korea on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-jun)

North Korea and China, which have intensified their own aggression in the region, have pushed the United States to be more involved in the Indo-Pacific region and to strengthen its alliances with South Korea and Japan.

However, some experts argue that the strategic partnership and cooperation between Washington, Seoul and Tokyo could encourage Pyongyang, Beijing and Moscow to strengthen their own trilateral ties.

Tuesday’s launches were Pyongyang’s second weapons test this week.

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On Monday, North Korea launched two cruise missiles from a submarine. His government also made it clear that cruise missiles were being developed to carry nuclear warheads.

Later this week, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol will visit Kishida in Tokyo, where North Korea is expected to be the main topic.

The Associated Press contributed to this report