North Korea fired multiple projectiles, including short-range and close-range ballistic missiles and an unidentified projectile, into the Yellow Sea on Tuesday. This activity marks the latest in a series of weapons tests and demonstrations by Pyongyang so far this year.
The launches come as tensions remain high on the Peninsula. The North has repeatedly shunned efforts by the South Korean government to improve relations, calling Seoul its most hostile adversary. It is suggested that Pyongyang may be using these missile tests to take advantage of eroding international norms to cement its nuclear status.
South Korea, the United States, and Japan are maintaining a state of full readiness and closely sharing intelligence in response to the activity.