US, South Korean militaries wrap up drill early, a day after North Korea’s missile barrage

The U.S. and South Korean militaries concluded their annual drill early as a conciliatory gesture toward North Korea, though Pyongyang stated this step was insufficient to persuade it to return to talks. Following the reduced drills, North Korea fired short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea, while Kim Yo Jong dismissed diplomatic overtures regarding the tensions. The US Pacific Command confirmed that the events did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. territory or its allies.