The launch occurred at approximately 7 a.m. local time, and details are currently under analysis by South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities.

The cruise missiles reportedly followed a circular trajectory in waters west of Pyongyang, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing an unidentified source. The range of the missiles suggests a ground launch, and there is speculation that they could be the Hwasal-1 or -2 types, capable of carrying North Korea's compact Hwasan-31 nuclear warhead.

This event marks North Korea's first missile launch of this kind since September, when it conducted a simulated "tactical nuclear attack" drill, involving the launch of two long-range weapons carrying mock nuclear warheads into the Yellow Sea.

North Korea has previously claimed that its advanced long-range cruise missiles have a range of up to 2,000 kilometers, putting significant areas, including key U.S. military bases in Japan, within striking distance. (ILKHA)