North Korea launches two ballistic missiles

North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the sea on Saturday night, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing the South Korean military.

This brings to eight the number of ballistic missiles launched by North Korea in the past two weeks, against the backdrop of escalating tensions with the United States, which recently strengthened its joint military exercises with Seoul and Tokyo.

The South Korean Army Chief of Staff only indicated that the two new missiles were launched from the southeast of North Korea, without giving further details.

"Our military, which has strengthened its monitoring and vigilance, is ready to act immediately in close cooperation with the United States," Yonhap reported, quoting the Joint Military Command.

On Twitter, the Japanese Prime Minister's office confirmed at least one missile launch.

"North Korea has launched what is believed to be a ballistic missile," the tweet read.

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