North Korea fires 'several ballistic missiles' into Sea of Japan

Seoul's military reported that North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles from its eastern coast into the Sea of Japan on Monday. This followed a landmine explosion along the heavily fortified border between the two nations, which injured three South Korean soldiers near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

The Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the missile launches around 09:20 (0220 CET), stating that they have heightened their surveillance and vigilance for potential further launches. Japan's defense ministry also confirmed the launch of at least one suspected ballistic missile, with some of the North Korean missiles detected flying over 900 kilometers.

Following the launch, South Korea's National Security Office convened an emergency security meeting to review the country's military readiness. The United States, a longtime ally of South Korea, is now analyzing the exact specifications of the North Korean missiles. The National Security Office had previously investigated the landmine incident in the DMZ last week, concluding that North Korea had planted the mines, a claim Pyongyang denies.

The situation has been exacerbated by a series of missile tests by North Korea, including one launched on October 3 that featured unspecified artificial intelligence technology. South Korea recently tested its own domestically produced hypersonic glide vehicle, which can strike targets within the Korean Peninsula. North Korean leader Kim Yo-jong has demanded respect from South Korea, stating that if Seoul seeks to mend ties, it must show utmost consideration and sincerity.

The ongoing tensions come amid US President Donald Trump's recent overtures to North Korea, which have raised concerns that Seoul might be sidelined in potential nuclear talks involving Pyongyang.