Cause for concern? North Korea launches about ten ballistic missiles toward the sea

North Korea launched about ten short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea east of the Korean Peninsula, according to South Korea's military. The launches occurred amid rising tensions in the region, after Pyongyang threatened to resume propaganda broadcasts along the border. South Korea convened an emergency security meeting and raised its military alert level.

North Korea launched about ten short-range ballistic missiles today (Thursday) toward the sea east of its coast, according to South Korea's military. The launches occurred amid rising tensions between the countries, after Pyongyang threatened to resume propaganda broadcasts along the border and deploy additional weapons there. South Korea convened an emergency security meeting, and the military raised its alert level for fear of further launches. According to a statement from South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missiles were launched around 12:30 PM local time from the area of Wonsan on North Korea's east coast, traveling a distance of about 250 kilometers. The South Korean military said it is increasing surveillance of Pyongyang's activities and sharing information with the United States and Japan. Japan's Defense Ministry confirmed the detection of a ballistic missile launch, but assessments indicate it fell outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. South Korea's presidential office condemned the launches, calling them a "serious violation" of UN Security Council resolutions. The launches come after three South Korean soldiers were injured last month in two mine explosions in the demilitarized zone. This is the second time North Korea has launched ballistic missiles this month, amid efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to resume contacts with North Korean leadership.