North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Thursday, according to South Korean military sources. This action follows a recent incident where North Korea sent balloons, suspected of carrying trash, towards South Korea.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that the missiles traveled approximately 360 kilometers (223 miles) before landing in the East Sea. The missiles were detected at 7:10 a.m. from the Pyongyang area. This range indicates that the missiles could potentially strike major South Korean cities, including the capital, Seoul.

“We are closely monitoring North Korea’s activities and maintaining a robust defense posture in collaboration with the United States,” the JCS said. “We are prepared to respond effectively to any provocation.”

Japan’s Defense Ministry noted that the missiles fell outside its exclusive economic zone, and no damage was reported to Japanese vessels.

The United States condemned the missile launches and reiterated its strong security commitment to South Korea. “The United States condemns North Korea’s ballistic missile launch,” a State Department spokesperson said. “These launches violate multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and pose a threat to regional and international security.”

North Korea had previously threatened that South Korea and the U.S. would face severe consequences for their “provocative war” drills, referring to recent joint military exercises between the two allies. South Korea and the U.S. maintain that these drills are defensive and necessary to address the evolving threats from North Korea.

The missile launches occurred shortly after North Korea attempted to send another batch of balloons, believed to carry trash, towards South Korea. Around 20 balloons were released late on Wednesday but did not cross the Military Demarcation Line, which separates the two Koreas. As of Thursday morning, no balloons were reported in the air.

Since late May, North Korea has sent numerous balloons carrying trash into South Korea in retaliation for anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets sent by South Korean activists. In response, South Korea has resumed broadcasting propaganda messages over the border, including human rights critiques and K-pop songs, which has provoked strong reactions from North Korea.

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