New North Korean fire shortly after the start of the "Freedom Shield" maneuvers in South Korea
The US military deploys to an exercise ground in Yeoncheon, not far from the border with North Korea, on March 13, 2023. AP - Ahn Young-joon
Text by: RFI Follow
3 mins
North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles on Tuesday March 14 "
which flew over a distance of about 620 km
", Seoul announced the day after the kick-off of the most important joint maneuvers with the United States. United for five years.
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"
Our military detected two short-range ballistic missiles fired towards the East Sea from Jangyon area in South Hwanghae Province between 07:41 (22:41 UT) and 07:51," the general staff said
. South Korean Joint Force in a statement, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.
“
Our armed forces have reinforced their surveillance and vigilance in anticipation of other launches, while standing ready to intervene within the framework of close cooperation between South Korea and the United States”, added this text
. .
“Freedom Shield”
On Sunday, Pyongyang launched two cruise missiles from a submarine, on the eve of the start of joint exercises between Seoul and Washington dubbed "Freedom Shield", which should last at least ten days and focus on "
the changing security environment
” due to the redoubled aggressiveness of North Korea, the allies said.
Pyongyang claimed that the launch was aimed at testing its "
nuclear deterrents in different spaces
", while criticizing the exercises between the two allies.
The “Freedom Shield” maneuvers, intended, according to the two allies, to fight against the growing threats from Pyongyang, arouse the ire of North Korea.
She views them as dress rehearsals for an invasion of her territory and regularly promises " crushing
" action
in response to them.
The South Korean military said the drills would involve "
wartime procedures to repel potential North Korean attacks and conduct a stabilization campaign in the North
."
In 2022, Pyongyang called its status as a nuclear power "
irreversible
" and conducted a record number of ballistic tests in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Last week, leader Kim Jong-un ordered his army to intensify its military maneuvers for a "
real war
".
"
Don't look weak
"
But if Pyongyang systematically justifies its missile tests by pointing the finger at military exercises in the South, it is also to serve a national objective, argues Leif-Eric Easley, professor at Ewha University in Seoul: "It
is is largely about the Kim regime not appearing weak as it struggles economically at home and South Korea manages to build up its conventional firepower and security partnerships
“, he told AFP.
“
As a result
, he believes,
we can expect new shows of force from Pyongyang
”.
Washington has repeatedly reaffirmed its "
unwavering
" commitment to defending South Korea using "
the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear
."
For its part, South Korea wants to appease a public that seems worried about the United States' commitment to so-called "extended deterrence", which means that Washington's military means, including nuclear weapons, are used to prevent attacks against its allies.
Thus, Washington and Seoul carried out joint aerial exercises last week with a nuclear-capable American B-52 Stratofortress heavy bomber.
Analysts have previously said North Korea would likely use the maneuvers as a pretext to launch more missiles or even a nuclear test.
“
Further missile launches, with variations in style and range, or even a nuclear test are to be expected.
Further acts of intimidation from North Korea should come as no surprise
,” said Chun In-bum, a retired South Korean army general.
(
With
AFP)
►
To read also
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Pyongyang launches two missiles before important exercises between the United States and South Korea
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