The North Korean government launched multiple ballistic missiles towards the Yellow Sea. The timing of Pyongyang’s latest missile test happening on the day the US and South Korea initiated the “Freedom Shield Exercise” in the region is noteworthy.

Today, as the US and South Korea began the joint “Freedom Shield Exercise,” a retaliatory move came from North Korea.

According to a statement from the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles towards the Yellow Sea.

The statement mentioned that the missiles were launched around 13:50 local time from the inner regions of North Korea’s Hwanghae province, with the army stating that they will continue to remain vigilant by carrying out observation and analysis activities in close collaboration with the US. TIMING RAISED CONCERNS

Pyongyang’s recent missile test occurring on the first day of the 11-day “Freedom Shield Exercise” in the region by the US and South Korea was seen as a warning to the Washington-Seoul alliance.

With today’s test, North Korea conducted its first ballistic missile test since President Trump took office on January 20.

North Korea conducted its last ballistic missile test on January 14 and announced a strategic cruise missile launch drill on February 27. NORTH KOREA HAD WARNED OF “REAL WAR”

In an early morning statement from North Korea, the joint “Freedom Shield Exercise” by the US and South Korea was condemned, warning that it could potentially turn the tension between the two sides into a real war with a single accidental shot.

The statement emphasized the increase in measures against the threats from the US, stating that efforts towards developing nuclear weapons for establishing lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the region will be doubled.