North Korea launches short range ballistic missiles towards sea

North Korea fired around a dozen short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea on Thursday, Euronews and France 24 reported. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were launched at about 12.30pm local time from the eastern coastal area of Wonsan, Euronews reported. [1][9]

The missiles travelled around 250 kilometres, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. Euronews reported that South Korea stepped up its surveillance for additional launches and shared details with relevant authorities. [1]

The test occurred one day after South Korea renewed its call for military talks to prevent accidental clashes along the heavily fortified border, Euronews reported. Pyongyang has not yet responded to the request for dialogue, according to the outlet. [1]

Tensions between the two countries have escalated following a dispute over a landmine incident at the border, Euronews and Al Jazeera reported. As FTMQ News reported earlier, three South Korean soldiers were injured in border landmine explosions in September. [1][8][16][17]

North Korea borders South Korea to the south along the Demilitarized Zone. South Korea's military remains on high alert following the latest launches. [1][11][12]