North Korea launches 10 missiles into Sea of Japan

North Korea fired a salvo of ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Thursday, according to South Korean military officials. The launches occurred from the coastal town of Wonsan and marked a continued display of military strength by the northern regime.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported detecting approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles. Each projectile traveled about 250 kilometers, or 155 miles, before landing in the sea. Japan’s Defense Ministry confirmed it also detected the suspected launch. Seoul stated its forces remained ready to respond to any provocations under its alliance with the United States.

The missile test follows a series of recent weapons demonstrations by Pyongyang. In recent weeks, North Korea has tested submarine-launched cruise missiles and hypersonic missiles. Analysts suggest these actions are intended to pressure the United States. President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to restart diplomatic talks with Kim Jong Un.

Tensions along the shared border have intensified since last month. Three South Korean soldiers were injured by land mine blasts near the military demarcation line. Seoul accused North Korea of planting mines south of the line and demanded an apology. Pyongyang denied responsibility and warned of retaliation if South Korea provoked it again.

Last week, North Korea announced it would restart propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts along the border. It also said it would place new weapons systems on alert. This move protested what Pyongyang described as repeated warning shots fired by South Korean troops. Seoul proposed talks to clarify border rules, but North Korea has not responded to the offer.

Journalists from the Associated Press reported seeing newly positioned North Korean artillery guns during a visit to a border town earlier this week. These weapons were not previously visible from the South. In recent years, North Korea has installed more mines and barbed-wire fences along the frontier. This construction aligns with Kim Jong Un’s policy of severing ties with South Korea.