North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan on Saturday, September 12, according to the South Korean military. The missiles were fired from the Wonsan area around 05:20 local time, following the conclusion of a joint military exercise called Freedom Edge. This exercise, held in international waters east and south of Jeju Island, was conducted by the United States, South Korea, and Japan. North Korea has long criticized such drills, calling them a threat to its security and the broader region. Pyongyang has historically opposed U.S.-South Korean military exercises, viewing them as preparations for an invasion. This particular exercise was a scaled-down version of the annual drills that usually take place between the U.S. and South Korea. The reduction was ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump at the last minute, a decision that reportedly surprised South Korea. Trump had argued that the full-scale exercises sent a “completely inappropriate and hostile signal” to North Korea. North Korea’s missile launches on September 12 follow a similar pattern of activity earlier in the year. In August, the country launched a dozen ballistic missiles into the sea, shortly after Trump announced he would meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before the end of the year. These actions are part of North Korea’s ongoing nuclear and missile development program, which has drawn widespread international condemnation. North Korea remains under strict international sanctions due to its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. These sanctions, imposed by the United Nations and other global powers, aim to curb Pyongyang’s military ambitions and prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Despite the sanctions, North Korea continues to advance its missile technology, often testing new systems in response to perceived threats or diplomatic developments.