North-South Korea tensions have escalated as Pyongyang launches dozens of ballistic missiles in the East Sea after rejecting border talks with Seoul.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the military detected “around a dozen short-range ballistic missiles fired from the Wonsan area of North Korea towards the East Sea”, also known as the Sea of Japan.
“Our military has stepped up surveillance and vigilance against possible additional launches,” it added in its statement.
The suspected ballistic missiles were fired from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea and South Korean military officials confirmed that analysis is ongoing to determine the missiles’ exact flight distances and specifications.
In response, South Korea has heightened surveillance and enhanced its defense posture in close coordination with the US and Japan.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Coast Guard advised nearby vessels to remain cautious and avoid approaching any fallen debris.
This latest test follows a similar launch on October 12, when Pyongyang fired multiple ballistic missiles from its capital region.
The latest firing of missiles comes after both rival countries took their dispute to the UN after lodging letters to the Security Council. Pyongyang sent a letter to the UN Security Council denying involvement in a September 21 DMZ landmine blast, claiming Seoul fabricated the event to frame its legitimate border construction as an incursion.
Seoul and the UN Command assert that the landmine was planted by North Korea itself and it went against the Korean War Armistice Agreement. To resolve this issue peacefully, Seoul proposed the border talks. However, North Korea rejected it and chose to show its aggression.
