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North Korea fired at least one ballistic missile from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea on Saturday, South Korea’s military said, amid heightened tensions between the two Koreas over a recent mine blast in the Demilitarized Zone.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected the launch but initially provided no details on the missile’s type, range or landing point.
The launch came 13 days after North Korea test-fired two short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan region on Sept. 20. The two missiles were launched within hours of each other toward the East Sea.
The U.S. military’s Pacific Command said it was aware of the latest launch and was consulting with allies and partners.
“Based on current assessments, this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies,” the command said, while reaffirming its commitment to defending the U.S. and its regional allies.
The missile launch came a day after Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, called South Korea “despicable” over Seoul’s demand for an apology following a mine blast in the Demilitarized Zone that wounded three South Korean soldiers.
North Korea has denied responsibility for the blast.
South Korea and the U.S.-led United Nations Command said the explosion was caused by North Korean mines placed on the South Korean side of the border. Seoul’s military demanded an official apology from Pyongyang earlier this week.
The DMZ has divided the two Koreas since their 1953 armistice.
A day after South Korea demanded an apology, President Lee Jae Myung urged North Korea to return to dialogue.
Kim Yo Jong again denied Friday that Pyongyang was responsible for the blast while criticizing Seoul over the accusation.
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