23 Dec 2022 | 02:42 PM UTC
North Korea: Authorities confirm Pyongyang launches two short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan (East Sea) Dec. 23 /update 1
Officials confirm North Korea launches two short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan (East Sea) Dec. 23. No reports of damage.
Event
South Korean military personnel have confirmed that North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea (Sea of Japan) from Sunan District, Pyongyang, Dec. 23. The missiles flew 250 km (155 miles) and 350 km (218 miles) respectively; Japanese officials report that at least one missile reached a maximum altitude of 50 km (31 miles). The incident did not result in damage or casualties.
Context
In recent weeks, North Korea has launched a series of ballistic missiles since the joint US-South Korea Vigilant Storm air exercises that ended Nov. 5, and South Korea's Taeguk exercises that concluded Nov. 10. 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.
