The U.S. did not see a direct threat in the DPRK's missile launches
The U.S. stated that North Korea’s recent missile launches do not pose an immediate threat to U.S. territory, military forces, or allies in the region. U.S. Pacific Command reported that it is monitoring the situation and coordinating with allies. At the same time, the EU considers North Korea a serious threat to regional and global security.
U.S. Pacific Command confirmed that the U.S. is aware of the DPRK’s recent missile launches. The command noted that the U.S. military, together with its allies, is analyzing the situation. According to a preliminary assessment by the U.S., the launches do not pose a direct threat to U.S. military personnel or U.S. territory.
“We are aware of the recent missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners. Based on current assessments, these events do not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, nor to our allies,” the command said in a statement. The U.S. also emphasized that it continues to monitor developments and is prepared to defend its territory and allies in the region. “The United States remains committed to defending its territory and our allies in the region,” the Pacific Command stated.
The EU Considers North Korea a Serious Threat
The European Union’s position was more firm. The EU stated that North Korea remains a serious threat to both regional and global security.
Thus, the European Union did not agree with U.S. President Donald Trump’s assessment of the level of threat posed by North Korea. North Korea regularly conducts missile tests, despite international restrictions. Its nuclear and missile programs remain one of the main sources of tension in East Asia, according to the U.S. Pacific Command.
Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, stated that the U.S. decision to scale back the Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercises with South Korea has put Seoul in a difficult position. She called these exercises “war games.”
