05 Nov 2022 | 08:55 AM UTC
North Korea: Pyongyang launches four missiles toward Yellow Sea Nov. 5
North Korea launches four missiles toward Yellow Sea Nov. 5. No immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Event
North Korea fired four short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) toward the Yellow Sea (West Sea) Nov. 5. According to South Korean military personnel, the projectiles flew 130 km (80 miles) with altitude of about 20 km (12 miles) before failing in-flight. There were no casualties or damage reported.
Context
North Korea's recent series of missile launches is almost certainly intended to coincide with the US-Korea bilateral military exercise Vigilant Storm that began Oct. 31. North Korean officials have threatened additional acts of provocation amid reports of an extension of the Vigilant Storm drills.
Despite attempts at jumpstarting diplomacy, the geopolitical dynamics on the Korean Peninsula remain largely unaltered, as North Korea has previously stated that it will only give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for concrete moves to reduce perceived US threats against it. North Korean leaders have previously warned of stronger actions in response to the latest US sanctions. However, both sides will likely avoid any actions that could escalate into a full-scale conflict.
