North Korean authorities launched a short-range ballistic missile into the Yellow Sea on Thursday, setting off alarm bells in the region, according to reports from the South Korean government.
The South Korean Armed Forces confirmed that the launch was detected at about 18.20 (local time) and said that security forces are »alert in close cooperation with the United States to increase surveillance in the area».
The tension between the parties has recently increased as a result of the latest joint military exercises carried out by Seoul and Washington, which also plan to carry out new maneuvers starting next March 23, according to information from the Yonhap news agency.
In February, Pyongyang threatened to carry out measures to »counter the actions of the U.S.-South Korean alliance» as they go ahead with their military exercises.
However, South Korean officials Thursday ruled out the possibility of the situation »going further and escalating into a direct confrontation» because both countries »maintain a dominant stance» toward North Korea.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
