Tensions Escalate as North Korea Fires Missiles Amid US-South Korea Drills

North Korea launched ballistic missiles towards the Yellow Sea amid heightened tensions during joint US-South Korea military drills. Following a recent accidental bombing by South Korean jets, both nations remain on high alert. Pyongyang condemned the drills as invasion rehearsals, threatening dire consequences. UN sanctions persist against North Korea's missile programs.

In an escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula, North Korea fired unidentified ballistic missiles into the Yellow Sea on Monday, as confirmed by the South Korean military. The launch comes amid joint military drills by South Korea and the United States, exercises that Pyongyang has denounced as precursors to an invasion.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff observed the missiles at around 1:50 pm from the Hwanghae region of North Korea, raising concerns over regional security. Following the launch, South Korea increased surveillance and maintained heightened readiness with US support, says local media outlet Yonhap.

These developments occurred in the backdrop of South Korea's public apology over an accidental bombing incident involving KF-16 fighter jets, which injured 29 people last week. The Air Force Chief, Gen. Lee Young-su, acknowledged pilot error for the mishap, emphasizing lessons to prevent future incidents.

North Korea's state-run media responded to the ongoing joint drills with fierce rhetoric, promising severe repercussions for what it termed dangerous and provocative actions. This follows North Korea's earlier missile tests in February, showcasing its nuclear deterrence capabilities.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council continues to impose sanctions on North Korea in an attempt to curb its illegal missile and nuclear ambitions, enforced since 2006.

(With inputs from agencies.)