North Korea fires ten short-range missiles simultaneously amid US-South Korea drills

North Korea launched an unusually high number of at least ten short-range missiles into the East Sea on Thursday, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The isolated nation, under leader Kim Jong Un, is prohibited from firing ballistic missiles by UN Security Council resolutions.

The launches coincided with ongoing joint military drills between the United States and South Korea. U.S. President Trump had previously announced a significant reduction in these exercises, citing his "very good relationship" with Kim Jong Un. He described the drills as "completely inappropriate and hostile" towards a country that had shown respect and posed no threat during his presidency.

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The drills send a completely inappropriate and hostile signal to a country that has behaved respectfully and posed no threat as long as I have been president.

South Korea's military confirmed the ongoing "Ulchi Freedom Shield" exercise would be halved in duration and end early on Friday at the U.S.'s request. This marks the first time the large-scale drill has been shortened prematurely. South Korean media reported that the foreign minister was not informed of Trump's online post before its release.

North Korea sharply criticized the military exercises. Kim Yo Jong, sister of the North Korean leader, stated that reducing the scope and duration of the drills did not alter their "provocative and offensive character." She also noted a lack of communication between the North Korean and U.S. leaders but acknowledged her brother held "good memories" of Trump, maintaining their positive relationship.

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Reducing the scope and duration of the exercises does not change their provocative and offensive character. They remain hostile military exercises against North Korea.