25 Jul 2023 | 02:11 AM UTC
North Korea: Pyongyang launches two ballistic missiles toward Sea of Japan late July 24
North Korea launches two ballistic missiles toward Sea of Japan late July 24. No reports of damage or injuries.
Event
North Korea fired two ballistic missiles from the outskirts of Pyongyang into the Sea of Japan (East Sea) at around 23:55 and 23:59 July 24, according to South Korean officials. The missiles reportedly flew approximately 400 km (249 miles) at an altitude of about 100km (62 miles) before landing in waters outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone. The incident caused no damage or casualties.
Context
The July 24 missile launch follows a historic visit by a US ballistic missile submarine to South Korea after four decades, and ahead of the Korean War Armistice anniversary July 27. North Korea has conducted at least 13 other ballistic missile tests this year, with additional missile launches likely in the coming months.
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.
