North Korea on Saturday launched more than 10 ballistic missiles into the sea, according to the military of South Korea, in a move that came as United States and South Korean forces were conducting large-scale joint military exercises.
The missiles were fired from an area near the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, at around 1:20 p.m. local time (0430 GMT), South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said. They travelled toward waters off the country’s east coast.
Authorities in Japan also detected the launches.
The Japan Coast Guard reported that what appeared to be a ballistic missile fell into the sea but outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, according to public broadcaster NHK.
The launches took place as the United States and South Korea were conducting their annual joint military exercises, which both countries say are designed to strengthen defensive readiness against threats from North Korea.
During the drills, hundreds of American and South Korean troops took part in river-crossing exercises using tanks and armoured combat vehicles.
The exercises were overseen by the commander of the allied forces.
The United States maintains about 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, along with fighter jet squadrons deployed in the country.
North Korea has been conducting missile tests for more than two decades as part of its efforts to develop systems capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
Because of its weapons programmes, the country has been under multiple sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council since 2006.
Despite the restrictions, Pyongyang has continued to expand its missile capabilities.
The missile launches come amid renewed diplomatic efforts between Washington and Seoul.
South Korea’s Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday to discuss possible ways to reopen dialogue with North Korea.
According to Kim, Trump remains interested in holding talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un if the opportunity arises.
North Korea, however, frequently condemns the joint military drills, describing them as “rehearsals for invasion” by the allied forces.
