North Korea: Military launches two short-range ballistic missiles toward Sea of Japan (East Sea) late June 15

Event

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles from the Sunan area of Pyongyang toward the Sea of Japan (East Sea) late June 15. Japanese officials have indicated both missiles landed within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone, about 110 km (67 miles) northwest of Hegura Island, Ishikawa Prefecture, and another 250 km (155 miles) away toward an unspecified direction. No damage or casualties were reported in connection with the tests.

Context

The June 15 missile launches came amid bilateral US-South Korean live-fire military exercises. Pyongyang conducted its latest launch after two months and a failed satellite launch from Cholsan County on May 31. North Korean officials cited technical difficulties for the satellite launch failure. Additional missile launches remain possible in the coming weeks.

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 US sanctions. However, both sides will likely avoid any actions that could escalate into a full-scale conflict.