North Korea fires unidentified projectile toward East Sea, South Korea says

North Korea fired an unidentified projectile toward the sea off its east coast on Thursday, AP reported, adding to tensions on the Korean Peninsula as U.S. and South Korean forces conduct joint military exercises.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the launch but did not immediately say what type of projectile was fired, how far it travelled or whether it caused any damage. The military said it was analysing the launch and its characteristics.

The projectile was fired toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, according to South Korean authorities. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The launch came about a week after North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile toward the same waters from the Wonsan area, according to South Korea’s military. That missile travelled more than 700 kilometres, officials said.

The latest launch also came as South Korea and the United States hold their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises. North Korea routinely condemns the drills as preparation for an invasion, while Seoul and Washington describe them as defensive.

Pyongyang has not immediately commented on Thursday’s launch.