North Korea fires around 10 ballistic missiles into sea

North Korea fired around 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea off its east coast on Thursday, South Korea's military said.

The missiles were launched at around 12:30 p.m. local time (0330 GMT) from an area near Wonsan on North Korea's eastern coast, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

South Korea's military said it was strengthening surveillance and maintaining readiness for additional launches while closely sharing information with the United States and Japan.

Japan's Defense Ministry said the missiles had fallen outside the country's Exclusive Economic Zone, according to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency.

Pyongyang has conducted missile tests on more than 10 occasions this year, most recently launching several short-range ballistic missiles on October 12.

Thursday's launch comes amid growing tensions between the two Koreas over a border dispute that has further strained relations between Seoul and Pyongyang.

Why are tensions rising between North and South Korea?

Three South Korean soldiers were wounded on September 21 when landmines exploded in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which separates the two countries.

A joint investigation by South Korea and the United Nations concluded earlier this month that North Korea had planted the landmines south of the military demarcation line more than a year ago.

Pyongyang has denied responsibility and warned of retaliation if provoked.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, condemned South Korean demands for an apology as "despicable." She also rejected Seoul's offer of medical equipment.

Last week, North Korea announced plans to resume propaganda broadcasts along the border and deploy new weapons systems in the area.

South Korea subsequently proposed talks to clarify the border and prevent accidental military clashes. Pyongyang has yet to respond.

What about potential US-North Korea nuclear talks?

The rising tensions come as US President Donald Trump's recent overtures to Pyongyang have raised concerns that South Korea could be sidelined in potential nuclear negotiations.

Seoul is a key Washington ally, but Trump's approach has fueled uncertainty over South Korea's role in any future talks with the North.

North Korea's previous missile launch on October 12 came a day after Trump suggested he might meet Kim Jong Un this year.

Edited by: Sean Sinico

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