North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area toward the sea off its east coast, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

The launches took place at about 5:20am local time. The missiles travelled roughly 250 kilometres before landing in waters off the Korean Peninsula, according to the JCS.

South Korean and US authorities are conducting a detailed assessment of the missiles’ specifications.

Meanwhile, intelligence agencies from South Korea and the United States tracked the launches from the beginning. They also shared information with Japan, according to the JCS.

“South Korea’s military is closely monitoring North Korean activity,” the JCS said. It added that the country remains ready to respond to any provocation alongside US forces.

South Korea Holds Emergency Security Meeting

South Korea’s presidential National Security Office convened an emergency security meeting following the launches.

Officials from the defence ministry, the JCS and other government agencies attended the meeting.

The officials reviewed Seoul’s response and assessed the potential impact on national security. They also discussed additional measures, the presidential office said.

South Korea urged North Korea to immediately stop ballistic missile launches.

Seoul described the launches as a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit North Korea from developing and testing ballistic missile technology.

Saudi Oil Pipeline Shutdown Highlights Its Strategic Role

US Says Launches Pose No Immediate Threat

The US military said it was aware of the latest missile launches.

US Pacific Command said it was consulting closely with allies and regional partners.

Based on its initial assessment, the launches did not pose an immediate threat to US personnel, US territory or American allies in the region.

The command reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to defending the United States and its allies.

The latest launch comes amid continued tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea has repeatedly criticised joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States.

Launch Follows Joint Military Drills

Saturday’s missile launch came one day after South Korea, Japan and the United States completed joint military exercises.

The drills focused on improving readiness against North Korean missile and nuclear threats.

North Korea has frequently described US-South Korean military exercises as preparations for an invasion. Seoul and Washington maintain that their drills are defensive in nature.

Last month, North Korea launched more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles during a period of heightened military activity.

Pyongyang also ordered its armed forces to maintain full readiness during ongoing South Korean-US exercises.

Trump Signals Possible Kim Jong Un Meeting

The latest launch also comes amid uncertainty over US policy toward North Korea.

Last month, US President Donald Trump abruptly scaled back some military exercises. He described the drills as hostile toward Pyongyang.

Trump also said he expected to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year.

The prospect of another Trump-Kim meeting could add a diplomatic dimension to the latest military escalation.

However, North Korea’s continued missile launches remain a major security concern for South Korea, Japan and the United States.

For now, regional authorities are monitoring North Korean military activity while assessing the latest missile launches and their broader implications for security on the Korean Peninsula.