North Korea test-fired several suspected short-range surface-to-ship cruise missiles off its east coast this morning, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
The test-firing by pyongyang came as the US military dispatched nuclear-powered aircraft carriers to waters off the Korean Peninsula.
In a statement, the JCS said that missiles flew about 200 km into North Korea's eastern waters.
North Korean latest missile tests are in a continuation of weapons launches that have rattled Washington and the North’s neighbors as Pyongyang seeks to build a nuclear missile capable of reaching the continental United States.
South Korea and the US were jointly analyzing details on the test-launches.
The South Korean militaryhas strengthened surveillance and vigilance in preparation for additional Pyongyang provocation, while maintaining full defense preparedness, the JCS said.
North Korea projectiles were not ballistic missiles. Under UN Security Council resolutions, Pyongyang is banned from testing any ballistic missile technology.
The test-launches were immediately reported to South Korean President Moon Jae-in right after being detected, according to local media reports.
Pyongyang has conducted missile test-launches five times since Moon took office on May 10.
(With agency injputs)
