North Korea fires multiple missiles toward the Sea

North Korea fired several ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Monday, South Korea’s military said. The launches have increased tensions in the region as diplomatic talks remain stalled.

Jang Do-young, spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, said: “the missiles were launched from an area near Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital”.

One missile travelled more than 900 kilometres before falling into the sea, South Korea’s military said.

Japan also detected at least two missiles. Deputy Defense Minister Takashi Koyari said the second missile followed an “irregular” flight path and travelled more than 910 kilometres.

“There were no reports of damage to aircraft or vessels,” Koyari said.

North Korea has continued testing weapons as leader Kim Jong Un seeks to expand the country’s nuclear weapons programme. The country has also rejected offers from the United States and South Korea to restart diplomatic talks.

The latest launches came days after South Korea tested its own hypersonic weapon. The weapon is designed to travel at least five times the speed of sound and avoid missile defence systems.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung described the weapon as important for strengthening the country’s conventional defence capabilities.

The continued weapons tests by both countries come as tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula.