Kathmandu— North Korea launched more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles Thursday, prompting an emergency security meeting in South Korea and raising concerns about escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The launches occurred as a shortened version of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises between South Korea and the United States drew to a close, following a decision by US President Donald Trump to scale them back in an effort to revive diplomatic efforts with Pyongyang. These drills are routinely condemned by North Korea as rehearsals for invasion, often prompting retaliatory missile launches.

Escalating Tensions and Condemnation

South Korea’s presidential office convened an emergency security meeting immediately following the missile launches, bringing together defense ministry and military officials. Seoul strongly condemned the action, labeling it a grave violation of UN Security Council resolutions and calling for an immediate halt to further launches. The missiles traveled approximately 300km (186 miles) toward the sea, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Missile Capabilities and Nuclear Arsenal

South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back identified the launched missiles as likely being 600 mm multiple rocket launchers, systems that Seoul is monitoring due to their potential deployment near the border. These systems, known externally as the KN-25, have been previously described by Pyongyang as capable of delivering tactical nuclear warheads. Ahn also stated North Korea is believed to possess between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads.

Diplomatic Maneuvering and Regional Reactions

The launches followed criticism from Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, regarding the US-South Korea military drills. She described Trump’s decision to scale back the exercises as “an evident disaster” stemming from what she characterized as an unrealistic security outlook by Seoul, and suggested a “master-and-servant” relationship between South Korea and the United States. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova welcomed the US decision to reduce its participation in the drills, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged South Korea to avoid taking sides between Beijing and Washington.

Trump's Approach Sparks Concern

President Trump’s efforts to engage with Kim Jong Un and his subsequent reduction of joint military exercises have raised concerns among Asian allies. The move has also fueled speculation that he is seeking a foreign policy achievement as other international issues, such as the situation in Iran, remain unresolved. Despite claiming to have received a response from Kim Jong Un after scaling back the drills, Kim Yo Jong denied any recent communication between the two leaders and maintained that US “hostile policy” toward North Korea has not changed.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing monitoring of North Korean activity and continued diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation. Further developments are expected as South Korea assesses the implications of the missile launches and the evolving dynamics between Washington, Seoul, and Pyongyang.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.