South Korean Presidential Office announced on Wednesday its intention to firmly counter North Korea’s recent provocations, including the launch of short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) and the release of garbage balloons. In a statement, officials emphasized that the government will strongly deter North Korea’s provocations based on robust power, the ROK-U.S. alliance, and ROK-U.S.-Japan security cooperation.
A spokesperson stressed the government is closely monitoring North Korea’s provocative actions and is maintaining a state of readiness to protect the lives and safety of its citizens against various potential provocations. The spokesperson also issued a stern warning to North Korea, calling for an immediate halt to all provocative actions, including the release of garbage balloons.
Earlier that day, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that they detected several short-range ballistic missiles launched by North Korea around 6:50 AM from the area near Kaechon in South Pyongan Province. The missiles, which flew approximately 400 kilometers (about 248 miles) in a northeasterly direction, prompted the Presidential Office to convene a security situation assessment meeting led by the Deputy Director of the National Security Office In Seong Hwan to discuss response measures.
This marks the 10th instance of North Korea’s ballistic missile provocations this year, which began in January. North Korea has launched cruise missiles 16 times—10 ballistic and six cruise missile launches— though the total number of provocations is even higher when other weapons tests are included.
North Korea has released trash-filled balloons 20 times as of Sunday, engaging in a multifaceted approach to provocations. Reports indicate that in frontline areas, North Korea has also been broadcasting bizarre sounds via loudspeakers directed at South Korea, unsettling residents near the border.
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