North Korea has launched approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its eastern coast as tensions with South Korea intensify over a disputed landmine explosion.
The missiles were fired on Thursday, October 29, from an area near Wonsan, according to South Korea’s military.
The launch comes less than a week after Seoul proposed military talks aimed at reducing tensions along the heavily fortified border between the two countries.
Meanwhile, a dispute over a September landmine explosion that injured three South Korean soldiers has further strained relations.
North Korea launches missiles into Sea of Japan
According to Reuters and AFP, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that North Korea launched approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles at around 12:30pm local time.
The missiles were fired from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s eastern coast towards the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea.
Japan’s Defence Ministry separately reported detecting a possible ballistic missile launch.
Japanese authorities said the projectile appeared to have fallen outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
No damage or casualties resulting from the launches were reported in the initial accounts.
The missile launches come amid renewed concerns about military activity on the Korean Peninsula.
Landmine explosion deepens North-South Korea dispute
The latest tensions follow a landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on September 21.
Three South Korean soldiers were injured in the incident.
A joint investigation involving South Korea and the United Nations concluded that North Korea had planted the mines more than a year earlier.
Seoul subsequently demanded an apology from Pyongyang.
However, North Korea rejected the investigation’s findings and denied responsibility for the explosion.
The competing claims have become a major source of tension between the neighbouring countries.
North Korea rejects allegations at United Nations
North Korea has formally challenged South Korea’s accusations in a letter to the United Nations Security Council.
Kim Song, Pyongyang’s permanent representative to the UN, accused Seoul of falsely blaming North Korea for the landmine incident.
He argued that South Korea was using the explosion to justify growing military tensions.
The North Korean diplomat also warned that violations of his country’s sovereignty could trigger a response.
Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, separately criticised South Korea’s demands for an apology.
She also rejected an offer of medical equipment from Seoul.
South Korean authorities, meanwhile, have maintained their position that North Korea was responsible for the mines.
South Korea proposes military talks
Despite the dispute, South Korea has offered to hold military discussions with North Korea.
Seoul proposed talks last Friday aimed at restoring communication channels and reducing the risk of further confrontation.
The proposal comes as military activity along the border increases.
However, Pyongyang has not indicated whether it will accept the invitation.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent years, with North Korea suspending most forms of dialogue and cooperation.
The absence of regular communication has raised concerns about the possibility of misunderstandings during military incidents.
Trump’s North Korea diplomacy adds uncertainty
The missile launches also come amid renewed diplomatic interest from the United States.
US President Donald Trump has suggested that he could meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year.
North Korea conducted several short-range missile launches shortly after Trump’s earlier comments about a possible meeting.
The developments have raised questions in South Korea about its role in any future negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang.
Seoul remains a key US ally and has a direct interest in discussions concerning North Korea’s nuclear programme and regional security.
However, no new summit between Trump and Kim has been confirmed.
Korean Peninsula tensions remain high
The latest missile launches underline the continuing security challenges facing the Korean Peninsula.
The unresolved landmine dispute has added to existing disagreements over border security and military activity.
South Korea is seeking renewed communication, while North Korea continues to reject responsibility for the September explosion.
With diplomatic relations strained and military activity increasing, the prospects for an immediate reduction in tensions remain uncertain.
Further developments will depend on whether the two countries resume dialogue and whether broader diplomatic efforts produce meaningful progress.