On June 30, 2024, North Korea test-fired two ballistic missiles in a northeasterly direction from the town of Jangyon in southeastern North Korea [5aa950d1]. The first missile flew 600 kilometers (370 miles), while the second missile traveled 120 kilometers (75 miles) before experiencing an abnormal flight during the initial stage. It is believed that the second missile crashed in an inland area of North Korea [5aa950d1]. These missile launches occurred two days after the conclusion of a new multidomain trilateral drill involving South Korea, the United States, and Japan [5aa950d1]. North Korea had strongly criticized the drill and had vowed to take offensive and overwhelming countermeasures [5aa950d1]. This marks North Korea's first weapons firing in five days [5aa950d1].
The recent missile launches by North Korea further escalate tensions in the region. The launches came after North Korea and Russia struck a defense pact the previous month [5aa950d1]. Additionally, North Korea opened a key ruling party meeting to discuss important issues related to enhancing Korean-style socialism [5aa950d1].
The failed satellite launch and hypersonic missile test by North Korea, along with the recent ballistic missile launches, highlight the ongoing concerns about North Korea's nuclear and military ambitions. These actions pose a significant threat to regional peace and security and have been condemned by South Korea, the United States, and Japan as violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions [1cb8f98e] [2774bfa1] [5aa950d1]. The international community continues to closely monitor the situation in North Korea and its impact on regional stability [1cb8f98e] [2774bfa1] [5aa950d1].