US, South Korea launch missiles in response to North Korea’s latest launch

North Korea test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-17 in March 2022 – Photo: AP

Responding to Pyongyang’s latest missile launches, on May 25, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Seoul and Washington launched one missile each into the sea off the Korean peninsula. according to Yonhap News Agency.

A statement from the US military confirmed the retaliatory launches, according to CNN.

The JCS said South Korea and the United States fired a Hyunmoo-II ballistic missile and an Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile toward the eastern seaboard to highlight their rapid strike capabilities.

In addition, the US Indo-Pacific Command said that North Korea’s latest missile launches clearly demonstrated “the destabilizing impact of Pyongyang’s illegal weapons program”.

JCS said that the Republic of Korea Air Force conducted an exercise called “Elephant Walk” on May 24, with the participation of 30 F-15K fighters.

The May 25 launch was North Korea’s 17th launch since the beginning of the year.

“The United States condemns North Korea’s multiple ballistic missile launches,” a State Department spokesman said. The spokesman added that the US urges North Korea to refrain from other provocations and engage in dialogue.

According to AFP news agency, a US State Department spokesman said the missile launches were “in violation of many UN Security Council resolutions, and pose a threat to the region”.

In a phone call with his South Korean counterpart Kim Sung Han, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan also condemned North Korea’s latest ballistic missile launches.

“Both condemn North Korea’s destabilizing ballistic missile tests,” a White House statement said.

On May 25, North Korea launched three missiles, including one believed to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), shortly after US President Joe Biden wrapped up his Asia tour.

The US confirmed that North Korea launched 3 missiles on May 25. South Korea suspects one of these three missiles is an ICBM.