U.S., South Korea, Japan Conduct Joint Drills Following North Korea's ICBM Test

Tensions escalate at U.N. Security Council meeting as North Korea and Russia clash with U.S. and allies over missile launch.

The United States, South Korea, and Japan conducted joint air drills involving long-range bombers in response to North Korea's recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test.
North Korea launched a Hwasong-18 ICBM, its most advanced missile, as a warning over perceived confrontational steps by the U.S. and South Korea.
The U.S., South Korea, and Japan criticized the missile launch as a provocation and violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions.
North Korea and Russia clashed with the U.S., South Korea, and their allies at an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting over the missile launch.
Despite North Korea's ballistic missile tests, new international sanctions have been avoided due to opposition from China and Russia, both permanent members of the U.N. Security Council.