North Korea fires 2 ballistic missiles off east coast

North Korea fired two suspected ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan — also known as the East Sea — on Sunday, according to South Korean and Japanese officials.

The first short-range ballistic missile was launched around 3 p.m. and traveled about 279 miles, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.

About three hours later, North Korea fired a second short-range ballistic missile, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs said. The second missile flew more than 373 miles.

Japan’s Defense Ministry reported a suspected North Korean missile Sunday but said it did not land in its territorial waters.

South Korea said it is working with the U.S. on a detailed analysis of the launches.

Last weekend, North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles that it said were part of a joint firepower attack drill involving drones and other weapons aimed at improving its ability to launch counterattacks.

The Sept. 12 drill included attack drones, tactical cruise missiles, a large-caliber thermobaric multiple rocket launcher and tactical ballistic missiles, the state-run Korean Central News Agency said Monday.