North Korea fired three suspected ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Tuesday, South Korea's military said, in a continuation of a streak of weapons tests this year that have raised concerns about the country's nuclear and missile ambitions.
The launches came just hours after U.S. President Joe Biden left South Korea after a three-day visit during which he reaffirmed Washington's commitment to defending its ally against the North.
The South Korean military said the three missiles were fired from the Sunan area of Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, and flew about 300 kilometers (186 miles) at an altitude of about 60 kilometers (37 miles).
The launches were the 16th round of weapons tests by North Korea this year, and the first since Biden left Seoul on Tuesday.
The North has been ramping up its weapons tests in recent months, in defiance of international sanctions. The country is believed to be preparing for a nuclear test, which would be its first since 2017.
The launches have raised concerns about the North's intentions and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula.
The United States and South Korea have condemned the North's recent missile tests and called on the country to return to dialogue.
