US says North Korea missile launch poses no immediate threat, 'consulting closely' with allies

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command stated that North Korea's recent short-range ballistic missile launch does not pose an immediate threat to the U.S. or its allies. The missile was detected launching from North Korea's eastern Wonsan area and landed in waters off its east coast, not reaching Japanese territory. This launch occurred ahead of upcoming large-scale joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea. South Korea's military has increased surveillance and is coordinating with the U.S. and Japan, calling the launch a provocation that violates UN resolutions. This marks North Korea's first ballistic missile test since late June.

South Korea's military reported that North Korea launched an unidentified projectile toward the sea off its east coast on Thursday. This marks the latest in a series of weapons tests by North Korea this year, with the launch detected around 5 p.m. from the Wonsan area. The projectile is described as a short-range ballistic missile. This launch precedes annual military drills between the U.S. and South Korea, which North Korea views as an invasion rehearsal. Experts suggest North Korea is focused on expanding its nuclear and missile arsenals and naval capabilities, seeking international recognition as a nuclear state to have sanctions lifted.

South Korea's military reported that North Korea fired at least one unidentified projectile over the Sea of Japan on Thursday. Tokyo indicated this was a possible ballistic missile launch. This event occurred the day after Pyongyang criticized Japan for its increased military posture in the Pacific, accusing it of transforming into a war state. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launch towards the East Sea.

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has issued a military threat towards Japan following its test-firing of a US-made Tomahawk cruise missile. In a statement carried by state media, Kim Yo Jong accused Japan of moving away from a defensive posture and becoming capable of preemptive attacks. She cited Japan's recent missile tests and participation in a US-led military drill as evidence of this shift. Kim Yo Jong stated that North Korea would adopt "additional military options" and respond in ways that would make Japan feel its security is in greater danger, aiming to make Japan "regret." She also accused the United States of enabling Japan's military buildup by supplying missiles and supporting tests. This statement is part of North Korea's ongoing criticism of security cooperation between the US, South Korea, and Japan, which Pyongyang views as threatening regional security.

North Korea has vowed to take unspecified "additional military options" in response to Japan's growing defense capabilities. Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, stated that Pyongyang will not be a passive observer to what she described as Japan's transformation into a military power. She accused Japan of reviving the ambitions of a "war criminal state" and possessing the capability for pre-emptive attack, which she called a grave threat to global peace and security. This statement was published on Wednesday by the official Korean Central News Agency.