North Korea fires several short-range ballistic missiles: South Korea

North Korea fired a salvo of short-range ballistic missiles toward waters off its eastern coast, South Korea said Thursday.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCF) said in a statement that Pyongyang fired what appeared to be 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan (East Sea), noting it had increased its surveillance and informed the UN and Japan of the developments, Yonhap News reported.

The Japanese Defense Ministry said a maritime safety advisory from the Japan Coast Guard had been issued indicating possible ballistic missile launches by North Korea.

It said ships were informed of the missile launches but no reports of damage had been received.

South Korea and Japan announced Monday that North Korea launched a "satellite rocket" towards the Yellow Sea.

On Tuesday, South Korea also announced that North Korea had sent more than 150 balloons across the border containing "trash."

The recent events have raised concerns about escalating tensions between the two countries.