North Korea has fired multiple missiles towards the sea, prompting a response from the United States as tensions between Washington and Pyongyang continue to escalate.
South Korea’s military confirmed several missiles were launched towards waters off North Korea’s east coast on Wednesday, with authorities working alongside the US to determine further details.
The launches came just hours after North Korea rejected the prospect of renewed diplomatic talks with Washington, following accusations that its hackers were responsible for a multibillion-dollar cryptocurrency heist.
In a statement, US Pacific Command confirmed it was aware of the missile launches and was consulting with regional allies.
“We are aware of the missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on Nov. 4 (KST) and are consulting closely with our allies and partners,” the statement said.
“Based on current assessments, this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies.”
The US military reiterated its commitment to defending American territory and its allies in the region.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said its military remained on alert and was prepared to respond to any further provocations.
The latest show of force follows a bitter exchange between Washington and Pyongyang over allegations North Korean hackers stole more than $6 billion from cryptocurrency exchange Binance.
The FBI has accused a North Korean hacking group known as TraderTraitor of orchestrating the attack, which is believed to be the largest cryptocurrency theft on record.
However, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, rejected the allegations and accused Washington of pursuing a hostile agenda.
“It is our clear stand that we have no need to sit face to face with such unreliable and hostile persons,” she said on Wednesday.
“The choice for peace includes dialogue of course, but this is not surely equated with national interests for us.”
The missile launches come as US President Donald Trump has signalled his willingness to revive diplomatic relations with Kim Jong Un.
North Korea has ramped up weapons testing in recent months, with observers suggesting the military demonstrations could be aimed at strengthening Pyongyang’s negotiating position.
The latest launches also coincided with vote counting in the US midterm elections.
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