The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched multiple cruise missiles from its eastern coast, as reported by the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

The report indicates that the launch took place around 8 a.m. (2300 GMT Saturday) near Shinpo Port. Further details were not disclosed, citing an ongoing analysis.

"While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance, our military has been closely coordinating with the United States to monitor additional signs of North Korea's provocations," the JCS told reporters in a message.

Earlier this week, Seoul's military said on January 24 that the DPRK launched several cruise missiles toward the Yellow Sea, expediting tensions in the region. 

The DPRK enlarged its weapon testing activities since the new year to include underwater nuclear weapon testing and a solid-fuelled hypersonic ballistic missile, especially amid US-South Korea military exercises in the region.

"Our military detected several cruise missiles launched by North Korea towards the Yellow Sea at around 7:00 am today," the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

It is worth noting that UN sanctions on Pyongyang dictate that ballistic missile testing is prohibited, but cruise missile testing is not. 

The DPRK responds to South Korea's threats

DPRK leader Kim Jong-un has affirmed that Pyongyang intends to "annihilate" South Korea should its army violate the DPRK's sovereignty. 

"If the ROK dares attempt to use armed forces against the DPRK or threaten its sovereignty and security and such opportunity comes, we will have no hesitation in annihilating the ROK by mobilizing all means and forces in our hands," Kim said.

According to the Pyongyang-based KCNA, Kim delivered this statement while inspecting the DPRK's significant munitions factories over the last two days.