North Korea has fired about 10 short-range ballistic missiles into waters off its eastern coast, as tensions continue to rise on the Korean Peninsula.

Reuters reported on Thursday, citing South Korea’s military, that the missiles were launched from the Pyongyang area at about 5 p.m. local time.

The launches came as South Korea and the United States conduct their annual joint military exercises, which Pyongyang has repeatedly criticised.

South Korea said it was closely monitoring the situation and maintaining coordination with the United States and Japan following the launches.