The US military said it is aware of today’s launch of missiles by North Korea toward the East Sea and reiterated its commitment to the security of its allies in the region. The statement comes as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is preparing to hold a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during his four-day state visit to China this week.

 

South Korea’s Joint Chief of Staff said it detected several ballistic missiles launched from the area around North Korea’s capital. The missiles flew about 560 miles. South Korean and US authorities are analysing the details of the launches.

 

The launches also came after US President Donald Trump announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a military operation in Caracas to bring him to the US to face charges, including drug trafficking.

 

Earlier, Japan issued an emergency alert after the missile launches. The tests were the latest show of military force by North Korea in recent weeks.