North Korea: Pyongyang launches short-range ballistic missile toward Sea of Japan Nov. 9

Event

North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) toward the East Sea (Sea of Japan) Nov. 9. According to South Korean military personnel, North Korea fired the SRBM from Suckchon, South Phyongan Province, around 15:31. Details on flight path and distance were not immediately available, but Japanese authorities confirmed that the missile fell outside of its exclusive economic zone.

Context

The latest test occurs as South Korea conducts its Taeguk Exercises, a computer simulated exercise, expected to end Nov. 10. The missile launch could also be a response to US sanctions on two officials from North Korea’s national airline, Air Koryo, announced Nov. 8. The US alleges the officials helped facilitate the country’s ballistic missile program. In recent weeks, North Korea launched a series of ballistic missiles to oppose the joint US-South Korea Vigilant Storm air exercises. The frequency of launches has slowed since the exercises concluded Nov. 5; however, 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 the latest US sanctions. However, both sides will likely avoid any actions that could escalate into a full-scale conflict.