North Korea's Provocative Missile Launch Raises Global Tensions

North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast, marking the first such activity in over two months. The launch has been condemned by both South Korea and Japan as a serious threat to regional peace and stability. This comes amid heightened tensions following North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's recent pledges to expand the country's nuclear arsenal.

North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Thursday, marking its first such launch in over two months, South Korea's military reported. The missiles launched from Pyongyang at around 7:10 a.m. (2210 GMT Wednesday) and traveled approximately 360 km (223.7 miles) before plunging into the sea, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

South Korea issued a strong condemnation, labeling the launch as a clear provocation that threatens peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. Japan's defense ministry reported that at least two ballistic missiles were fired, reaching an altitude of about 100 km and traveling over 350 km. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also condemned the act, stating that Japan will continue to monitor the situation closely in coordination with the U.S. and South Korea.

There were no reports of damage as the missiles appeared to land outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. This launch comes after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to exponentially increase the country's nuclear arsenal. North Korea has also been accused of supplying weapons to Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a claim both Moscow and Pyongyang deny.

(With inputs from agencies.)