North Korea fires around a dozen short-range ballistic missiles off east coast

North Korea fired approximately a dozen short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast, according to South Korea's defense ministry, as reported by France 24 and DW English. The missiles were launched from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, and flew about 250 kilometers.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that the military detected the launches around midday local time and is conducting detailed analysis of the missiles' specifications in cooperation with the United States. Japan's Defense Ministry noted that the missiles fell outside its Exclusive Economic Zone, according to South Korean sources.

The missile launches come amid increasing tensions between North and South Korea, following a border incident where three South Korean soldiers were wounded by landmines in the Demilitarized Zone. A joint investigation by South Korea and the United Nations concluded that North Korea planted the landmines over a year ago, a claim denied by Pyongyang.

South Korea has offered military talks to ease tensions, but North Korea has continued weapons tests, including recent launches of a precision-guided torpedo system and an intermediate-range hypersonic missile reportedly employing AI technology. Seoul's National Security Office condemned the missile launches as violations of UN Security Council resolutions and unhelpful to managing the situation.

South Korea and the United States have increased surveillance and readiness for possible additional missile launches, with information being shared closely with Japan. The Japan Coast Guard has also urged ships in the area to remain vigilant.