Seoul: North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Sunday, as confirmed by South Korea's military. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported detecting the missile launches from the Sinpho area in North Korea at approximately 6:10 a.m., with the missiles traveling around 140 kilometers.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean military is maintaining close surveillance of North Korea's activities in conjunction with U.S. forces, ensuring readiness to respond to any provocations. Intelligence authorities from South Korea and the United States have coordinated efforts to track the missile movements and have shared pertinent information with Japan.

The recent missile launch is being evaluated for the possibility of involving submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM), given the presence of submarine-related facilities in Sinpho. Notably, the Hero Kim Kun Ok and the 8.24 Yongung submarines have been observed in this eastern coastal city, where North Korea previously tested an SLBM in May 2022.

In the past, North Korea conducted similar missile tests, with the most recent series occurring on April 8, involving multiple short-range ballistic missiles. These tests were accompanied by a state media announcement claiming the testing of a tactical ballistic missile with a cluster bomb warhead designed to "reduce to ashes any target" within range.

In response to the latest missile launch, South Korea's presidential Office of National Security convened an emergency meeting, condemning the act as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The office urged an immediate cessation of such activities. Similarly, the defense ministry called on North Korea to stop escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula and participate in efforts to establish peace.