In a recent escalation of military tensions, North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast on Sunday, according to South Korean authorities. The missile, fired near the capital of Pyongyang, flew approximately 354 miles (570 kilometers) before landing in the sea.

The Japanese Coast Guard confirmed that the missile had fallen less than 20 minutes after its launch, raising concerns about the volatile situation in the region. The launch has been strongly criticized by South Korea, labeling it a "clear violation" of United Nations Security Council resolutions that prohibit North Korea from developing and using ballistic technologies.

In response to the launch, North Korea's Defense Ministry issued a statement expressing discontent with the United States. While the ministry did not directly mention the ballistic missile, it condemned what it perceived as a "reckless military threat" from the U.S. The statement pointed to the deployment of strategic bombers and nuclear-powered submarines to South Korea as destabilizing actions.

North Korea's Defense Ministry spokesperson further asserted that the country's armed forces would neutralize any attempts to incite a nuclear war, ensuring peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. The ministry also criticized the joint military drills conducted by the U.S. and South Korea, denouncing the inclusion of nuclear operation scenarios as a direct threat and vowing to prepare unspecified "offensive countermeasures" in response.

Hours before the missile launch, a joint statement by the U.S. and South Korea warned North Korea against any nuclear attacks on the nation or its allies, stating that such actions would result in the end of the regime led by Kim Jong Un. The statement emphasized that any nuclear attack by North Korea would be met with a swift and decisive response.

This recent missile launch by North Korea adds to a growing number of tests conducted in 2022. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has utilized the distraction caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine to accelerate the expansion of the country's military nuclear program, which he sees as vital for his regime's survival. To date, North Korea has test-fired more than 100 missiles this year alone.

The international community continues to closely monitor the situation on the Korean Peninsula as tensions continue to rise. Efforts to de-escalate the situation and maintain regional stability remain a top priority in the face of North Korea's persistent pursuit of its nuclear ambitions.