North Korea fires about 10 ballistic missiles

North Korea fired about 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea off its east coast on Thursday, according to South Korea's military. The missiles were launched from the area around the port city of Wonsan and flew roughly 250 kilometers.

Japan said the missiles appeared to have come down outside its exclusive economic zone, and no damage was reported. South Korea said it had stepped up surveillance and was sharing information with the United States and Japan.

Seoul condemned the launch as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and urged Pyongyang to stop what it called provocations.

The launch came amid rising tension along the border between the two Koreas. South Korea has accused the North of planting landmines that injured South Korean soldiers in September, a charge that has deepened a long-running dispute. It was the second large missile salvo from North Korea this month.

North Korea is banned by the UN from testing ballistic missiles, but it has carried out many launches in recent years as it expands its weapons programs. Analysts often see such salvos as a way for Pyongyang to show its military strength and to pressure Seoul and Washington during periods of tension.