Pyongyang - North Korea launched "several cruise missiles" into the Yellow Sea, the region between China and the Korean Peninsula, according to South Korea's joint chiefs of staff (JCS). The missile launches occurred around 4 am on Saturday (1900 GMT Friday), marking the second such incident in just three days, following North Korea firing two ballistic missiles towards Japan's opposite coast.

These recent missile tests add to the escalating tensions between North and South Korea, with diplomatic efforts stalled, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signaling an intent to accelerate weapons development, including tactical nuclear weapons. In response, South Korea and the US have strengthened their defense cooperation and conducted joint military exercises, including the presence of an American nuclear-armed submarine making a rare South Korean port call.

The situation has become increasingly strained, with North Korea's defense minister, Kang Sun-nam, issuing a veiled threat that the docking of the US submarine could be grounds for a nuclear attack. South Korea has responded by asserting that any use of nuclear weapons by North Korea would lead to an immediate and decisive response, potentially marking the end of the Kim regime.

Amidst these mounting tensions, the fate of a US soldier, Private Second Class Travis King, remains uncertain. King is believed to be in North Korean custody after breaking away from a tour group at the Demilitarized Zone. North Korea has not responded to inquiries about the soldier's situation, leaving the US concerned about how he may be treated.

The region remains on high alert as South Korean and US intelligence authorities continue to monitor North Korea for signs of additional activities following the recent missile launches.