SEOUL – On Tuesday, North Korea is believed to have launched ballistic missiles into the sea, raising tensions with South Korea just before a significant political assembly. This information comes from neighboring countries monitoring the situation.

Japan’s Prime Minister’s Office and its Defense Ministry reported the detection of potential ballistic missile activity by North Korea. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Defense Ministry confirmed spotting at least one unidentified projectile launched from the North’s eastern coast. Details such as the missiles’ range were not immediately available from either nation.

This missile launch follows North Korea’s recent threats of retaliation against South Korea for alleged spying drone flights across the border, claims dating back to incidents in January and September. South Korea refuted the accusations, asserting no drone operations occurred during those periods, and is investigating whether civilians might be involved.

Experts suggest that North Korea’s accusations about drones may be a strategic move to heighten anti-South Korean feelings as it prepares for the Workers’ Party congress, anticipated to convene between late January and February. During this congress, Kim Jong Un might formalize a stance on a hostile “two-state” system on the Korean Peninsula in the party’s constitution, marking the first such event in five years.

Earlier in the month, North Korea claimed to have conducted test flights of hypersonic missiles. The state media reported that Kim was present at these launches, emphasizing the necessity to strengthen the nation’s nuclear deterrent capabilities.

North Korea in December test fired what it called long-range, strategic cruise missiles and new anti-air missiles and released photos showing the apparent construction of its first nuclear-powered submarine.

North Korea aimed to demonstrate or review its achievements on the weapons development sector ahead of the party congress, analysts said.

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Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.