North Korea fired around a dozen short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, on Thursday, South Korea’s military said, according to local media reports.
The missiles were launched from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast, South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported, citing the country’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
South Korean authorities were analysing the missiles’ flight distances and other technical specifications to determine further details about the launch.
South Korea Strengthens Surveillance
South Korea’s military said it had increased surveillance and remained alert to the possibility of additional missile launches.
It also said it was maintaining a strong defence posture while closely sharing information about the latest launch with the United States and Japan.
The launch comes amid continued tensions on the Korean Peninsula, where North Korea’s missile activities have prompted security concerns among neighbouring countries.
Japan Issues Warning to Ships
Japan also reported the launch. The Japanese Defence Ministry said North Korea had fired an object that might be a ballistic missile.
Japan’s Coast Guard urged vessels to monitor official updates and avoid approaching any objects that might have fallen into the sea, according to Kyodo News.
Authorities had not provided further details about the missiles’ precise flight paths or where they may have landed at the time of the report.
Kim Jong Un Urges North Korean Army to Prepare for War Amid Rising Tensions
Latest in a Series of Missile Launches
The latest launch follows another North Korean missile firing on October 12, when Pyongyang launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the East Sea from the area around its capital, according to South Korean reports.
North Korea has continued developing and testing its missile capabilities, drawing criticism and security concerns from South Korea, Japan and the United States.
The latest incident is likely to prompt further monitoring by regional security authorities as they assess the missiles’ characteristics and the potential implications for regional stability.
