North Korea conducts missile tests

North Korea tested several missile launchers on Sunday, according to the South Korean military, while the peninsula is currently experiencing a resurgence of tension linked to Pyongyang's intensification of weapons tests.

Since the beginning of the year, Pyongyang has conducted 10 major weapons tests, including two that North Korea described as "reconnaissance satellites" and tests of its intercontinental ballistic missile system, Seoul and Washington said.

"The firings took place this morning and we suspect that they came from rocket launchers," the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

"Our forces maintain a firm stance of defensive readiness while closely monitoring relevant developments," she added, without elaborating.

The South Korean news agency (Yonhap) quoted officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, that within an hour, starting at 07:20 (2220 GMT).

Four experiments were conducted offshore west of North Korea from an unspecified location in South Pyongan Province.

South Korea's National Security Council held an emergency meeting and called for intensified preparations "to prevent any security vacuum during the transitional period in the country," according to a statement issued by the presidential residence.

President-elect Yoon Seok Yeol will be sworn in on May 10 after winning the election on March 9.

Pyongyang has long had the ability to destroy Seoul, located about 60 kilometers from the border, with artillery fire.

The United States has 28,500 soldiers stationed in South Korea to protect the country from its neighbor.

Sunday's launches come days after Pyongyang carried out a failed test that analysts say may be a new ICBM.

The United States and South Korea suspect Pyongyang is preparing to launch a Hwasong-17 missile, which military analysts have dubbed the "monster missile."

North Korea celebrates the 110th birthday of the regime's founder, Kim Il Sung, on April 15.

Many experts expect a missile launch on this occasion.

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