North Korea launches ballistic missiles into Sea of Japan

North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles off its east coast on Monday, according to South Korea's military. The launches occurred after a landmine explosion along the heavily fortified border between the two countries injured three South Korean soldiers.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) stated that several missiles were detected around 09:20 local time, heading toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan. The military has increased surveillance in response to potential further launches.

Japan's defense ministry separately confirmed the launch of at least one suspected ballistic missile. The US Pacific Command reported that North Korea launched two ballistic missiles, which did not pose an immediate threat to US personnel, territory, or allies.

Some of the North Korean missiles flew more than 900 kilometers, according to the JCS. Seoul and the United States are analyzing the exact specifications of the missiles. South Korea's National Security Office held an emergency meeting to review the country's military readiness following the launch.

A joint Seoul-UN investigation concluded that North Korea planted the landmines that exploded in the DMZ over a year ago, a claim Pyongyang has denied. Kim Yo Jong, North Korea's powerful sister of the leader, criticized South Korea's demands for an apology as 'despicable' and rejected an offer of medical equipment from Seoul.

Tensions have escalated as both countries continue testing advanced missile technology. North Korea recently test-fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile, while South Korea successfully tested a hypersonic glide vehicle, which the Blue House described as offering new deterrence capabilities.