North Korea fired several cruise missiles toward the Yellow Sea, according to South Korea’s military. The launch occurred shortly after South Korea and the United States concluded their 11-day joint military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS). North Korea has criticized these exercises, viewing them as a rehearsal for invasion.
The missiles were launched at approximately 4 a.m., and South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff are analyzing the situation. In response to previous drills, North Korea conducted a military command post exercise and launched short-range ballistic missiles this week. The missile launch on Wednesday was described by North Korea as a tactical nuclear strike drill simulating “scorched-earth” strikes.