North Korea launches test missiles in response to US-South Korea ‘Freedom Shield’ exercise

South Korean and US troops conducted shooting drills and air assault operations on March 16, 2023, as part of “Freedom Shield 23”, the largest US-South Korea joint military exercises in five years. North Korea has fired multiple missiles in response to the massive US-South Korea military drills, and reportedly launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) earlier on March 16, which was condemned by Japan and South Korea.