North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles toward Sea of Japan

North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles off its east coast on Monday, France 24 and the South China Morning Post reported, citing South Korea's military. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that several ballistic missiles were launched from the Pyongyang area toward the East Sea, which is also known as the Sea of Japan, around 09:20 local time or 00:20 GMT. [1][2]

The South Korean military reported that it has increased surveillance and vigilance against possible further launches following the incident, France 24 and the South China Morning Post said. USA Today, Internazionale, and Yahoo News Singapore also reported that South Korea detected the missile firings off the country's eastern coast. [1][2][5][6][7]

The missile launches occurred after weeks of growing friction along the heavily fortified border between the two countries, France 24 reported. Tensions increased following landmine explosions along the border last month that left three South Korean soldiers injured. [1]

North Korea is located in East Asia and occupies the northern half of the Korean Peninsula, bordering South Korea at the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Pyongyang serves as the nation's capital and largest city. [8]