The South Korea-based Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) has stated that they detected evidence suggesting that several projectile launches took place on the morning of June 12. 

Details about the revelation are unclear, including the location and where the launches were directed, in addition to the number of projectiles. There haven't been any reports of injuries, damage, or disruption.

The projectile launch, according to North Korea, is by the least intended to demonstrate the government's defense policy to counter US aggression, looking to gain more leverage against the background of future nuclear negotiations. 

This comes after a joint US-South Korea military exercise off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. It is thought that the newly elected South president Yoon Seok-youl will be taking a tougher stance against North Korea. 

Read more: S. Korea, US launch 8 missiles

North Korea could test nuclear missile, US issues warning

A US senior official has vowed a definitive response to the DPRK (North Korea) should they conduct any nuclear tests after Pyongyang launched ballistic missiles last weekend. A similar show of force was matched from Washington and Seoul. Japan also conducted its own show, in accordance with Pentagon, to show the swiftness of response amongst Western-backed allies.

Nevertheless, the Deputy US Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman, claimed, after a meeting with her South Korean counterpart, that any nuclear test would come in violation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

While speaking to reporters, the official announced that “there would be a swift and forceful response to such a test,” and that “the entire world will respond in a strong and clear manner. We are prepared.”