North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles Amid Rising Tensions

North Korea launched short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast, traveling approximately 360 km, marking the first such launch in over two months. The actions were condemned by South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. as serious threats to regional stability. The development follows Kim Jong Un's pledge to increase nuclear weapon production.

North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Thursday, marking its first such launch in more than two months, South Korea's military reported. The missiles, which were launched from Pyongyang at approximately 7:10 a.m. local time, traveled around 360 km before plummeting into the sea, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The exact number of missiles fired was not specified.

In a strongly-worded statement, South Korea condemned the missile launch as a clear provocation that jeopardizes peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Japan's defence ministry noted that at least two of the missiles flew more than 350 km, reaching an altitude of about 100 km. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who recently visited Seoul to reaffirm ties with South Korea, also condemned the launch and lodged a protest against North Korea. He reaffirmed Japan's commitment to closely monitoring the situation and cooperating with the U.S. and South Korea.

High-level nuclear envoys from South Korea, Japan, and the United States discussed the incident via phone, labeling it a violation of U.N. resolutions, and vowed to respond to any further provocations by North Korea. Thursday's launch comes on the heels of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un promising to exponentially increase the country's nuclear arsenal and ensuring readiness for use at any time. The timing also aligns with recent South Korea-U.S. military drills, potentially suggesting a response or a test for arms export viability to Russia.

(With inputs from agencies.)