North Korea launches second missile in a week, raising tensions in the region

On Sunday, North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, according to reports from South Korea and Japan.

The missile was launched from a site on the west coast and flew approximately 800 kilometers before hitting a target. This is the second missile launch in a week and has raised tensions in the region.

South Korea has condemned the missile launch, calling it a violation of a UN Security Council resolution.

Japan has also expressed its concern and has condemned the missile launch, with its State Minister of Defense calling it a threat to the security of Japan, the region, and the international community.

The US Indo-Pacific Command has stated that the launch did not immediately threaten US personnel or its allies. However, it has also urged North Korea to refrain from further provocative actions that could destabilize the region.

The recent missile launches by North Korea are seen as a response to the joint military exercises conducted by South Korea and the US. Pyongyang views such exercises as rehearsals for invasion and has previously expressed its opposition to them.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, and there are concerns that the missile launches could further escalate tensions in the region.

It is essential for all parties to exercise restraint and work towards reducing tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

(Read Also: North Korea fires 2 short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) toward East Sea, reports South Korean military)