Key facts
- North Korea launched approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea.
- The launches occurred a day after North Korea dismissed Donald Trump's order to reduce joint military drills with South Korea.
- South Korea's military confirmed the launches and increased surveillance.
- South Korea's presidential national security council urged North Korea to halt ballistic missile launches, which are banned by UN resolutions.
North Korea launched approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea on Thursday, according to South Korea's military. The firings occurred a day after North Korea dismissed an order from U.S. President Donald Trump to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, an apparent move to resume diplomacy. The joint chiefs of staff stated the launches originated from the capital region around 5 p.m. (0800 GMT). South Korea's military has heightened its surveillance and is coordinating information with the U.S. and Japan. An emergency meeting of South Korea's presidential national security council discussed the launches, issuing a statement urging North Korea to cease ballistic missile activities, which are prohibited by UN Security Council resolutions. Earlier on Wednesday, Trump had ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, citing his relationship with Kim Jong Un and South Korea's stance on the war in Iran. Kim Yo-jong, Kim Jong Un's sister, dismissed Trump's overture, calling it unworthy of comment and asserting that the provocative nature of the drills would not change despite reductions in size and duration. She also noted other military drills conducted by the U.S. and South Korea earlier in the year and South Korea's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines. However, Kim Yo-jong maintained that relations between her brother and Trump remain excellent, suggesting North Korea might await larger concessions before returning to talks. She denied Trump's claim of exchanging letters with Kim Jong Un, though Trump told reporters he would be meeting with Kim this year.