North Korea Blames US for Ballistic Missile Launch into Sea

North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile into the sea near its capital, Pyongyang, blaming the United States for escalating military tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The missile flew 354 miles before landing in the sea, violating U.N. Security Council resolutions. North Korea's Defense Ministry criticized the U.S. for its "reckless military threat" and condemned joint drills with South Korea involving nuclear operation scenarios. The U.S. and South Korea warned that any nuclear attack by North Korea would result in the end of the Kim Jong Un regime. North Korea has test-fired over 100 missiles since the start of 2022, accelerating its military nuclear program amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.