North Korea launched an unidentified projectile off its east coast on Thursday, South Korea’s military announced. The Joint Chiefs of Staff provided no further details regarding the type of weapon fired.
This latest launch occurs amid increased animosity between the two Koreas, stemming from land mine explosions on September 21 that injured three South Korean soldiers. Seoul has accused Pyongyang of planting the mines south of the military demarcation line, an allegation North Korea denies. Pyongyang has also warned of retaliation if provoked.
Last week, North Korea stated its intention to resume front-line propaganda broadcasts and deploy new weapons systems along the heavily fortified border it shares with South Korea. South Korea subsequently proposed talks to clarify the borderline and prevent accidental clashes, but has not yet received a response from North Korea.
The projectile launch also follows a visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to China five days prior, marked by the inauguration of a new bridge connecting the two nations.