South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) announced that unidentified ballistic missiles were launched from North Korea's Wonsan area this morning. The missiles flew approximately 240 km before falling into the waters east of the peninsula.

"The military is maintaining a high state of readiness and closely sharing information about North Korean ballistic missiles with the United States and Japan, while intensifying monitoring for potential new launches," the JCS stated.

A North Korean ballistic missile leaves its launch pad during a 2019 test. Photo: KCNA

About one hour prior, the South Korean military reported detecting an "unidentified projectile" launched from an area near the capital Pyongyang on 7/4. "US and South Korean intelligence agencies are analyzing the specific technical parameters," the statement noted.

Yonhap news agency reported that the projectile from the 7/4 launch disappeared shortly after ignition, suggesting it was likely a failed test.

North Korean officials have not yet commented on the launches.

Over recent years, North Korea has conducted numerous missile tests, including some capable of reaching the US mainland. The country has also unveiled several variants using solid-fuel engines, which offer quicker deployment and are easier to conceal compared to liquid-fuel types.

Yonhap stated that North Korea's last ballistic missile launch into the eastern waters occurred on 14/3, coinciding with the annual spring joint exercises between the United States and South Korea.

Location of the Korean Peninsula. Graphics: CSIS

North Korean state media later reported that Pyongyang had fired a series of rockets from 600 mm multiple rocket launchers, striking targets on an eastern island. It remains unclear whether these rockets were the "ballistic missiles" mentioned by South Korea.

The latest launch follows South Korea's expression of regret on 6/4 regarding a civilian drone's intrusion into North Korean airspace. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung called the incident a result of "irresponsible" actions, adding that some government officials were involved.

Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, conveyed that Pyongyang appreciated President Lee's statement, deeming it a "wise action". However, she also warned Seoul to "cease all provocative actions" against Pyongyang.

Pham Giang (According to AFP, Yonhap)