North Korea Launches Multiple Ballistic Missiles Off East Coast

North Korea launched ballistic missiles toward waters off its east coast, authorities in South Korea and Japan said. Multiple unidentified ballistic missiles were fired from the Sinpo area of North Korea at around 6:10 a. m.

local time Sunday, according to a statement from South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“While strengthening surveillance and maintaining heightened readiness for further launches, South Korea, the US, and Japan are closely sharing information and maintaining full preparedness,” it said.

Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, speaking during a visit to Australia, said the ministry is collecting and analyzing information, while maintaining a high level of vigilance.

The missiles are believed to have fallen near the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, with no impact confirmed within Japan’s territory or exclusive economic zone, its defense ministry said.

There were no immediate reports of damage to aircraft or vessels in the area. Pyongyang last launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward waters off its eastern coast on April 8.

The latest launch comes as the war in Iran drags on, heightening security concerns in east Asia as the US shifts its focus to the Middle East.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been deepening strategic ties with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and continues close coordination with China, underscoring a growing alignment among the three nations against a US-led security order.