Seoul: North Korea fired around 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea on Thursday, as confirmed by South Korea's military. The launch occurred from the Pyongyang area, marking a significant development in the ongoing tensions between North Korea and its neighboring countries.

According to Deutsche Welle, the Japanese prime minister's office and the country's Coast Guard also detected the suspected missile launches. This incident came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year, underlining the complex dynamics at play on the Korean Peninsula.

The missile launch coincides with the ongoing US-South Korea military drills, which are set to conclude on Friday following Trump's directive to significantly reduce US participation. Pyongyang has consistently criticized these joint exercises, viewing them as rehearsals for invasion and often responding with missile tests to express its disapproval.

Trump addressed the issue on Wednesday, labeling the military exercises as "inappropriate and hostile." He emphasized that the war games are costly and send a misleading signal to North Korea, which he claims has been unthreatening during his presidency. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump mentioned his plans to meet Kim Jong Un later this year.

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of Kim Jong Un, responded to Trump's move by dismissing it. She stated that the provocative nature of the drills remains unchanged despite their reduced duration and size. She further warned that the US should not expect a favorable response if it perceives its recent actions as a gesture of goodwill.