North Korea: North Korea fires projectile off its western coast, March 9

Event

South Korean officials reported that North Korea fired a projectile off its western coastline at approximately 18:20 on March 9. The short-range ballistic missile was fired from an area near the North Korean town of Nampo into the waters off the coast. No damage or casualties were reported in connection with the action. The launch precedes military exercises between South Korea and the US, which are set to start on March 13. Additional missile launches remain possible in the coming weeks.

Context

This is the latest missile test by North Korea in recent months. The country's government regularly conducts such actions in response to geopolitical developments, particularly regarding its nuclear weapons program. It also increases the frequency of such action ahead of, during, and after military exercises involving South Korea. The actions can serve to increase political tensions in the region but are unlikely to precede any full-scale conflict.