North Korea fired multiple projectiles, including at least one short-range ballistic missile, towards waters off its west coast on Tuesday, according to South Korea’s military.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the launches took place from near Chongju in North Pyongan Province at around 1 p.m. local time.

The missile reportedly travelled around 80 kilometres before landing in waters off the Korean Peninsula.

First Launch In Weeks

The launch marks North Korea’s first known missile test since April 19, when Pyongyang said it had tested several short-range ballistic missiles equipped with cluster bomb warheads.

Earlier in April, North Korea also claimed to have tested a new cluster-bomb warhead and an electromagnetic weapon, moves analysts said were aimed at demonstrating the country’s ability to wage modern warfare.

Kim Reaffirms Nuclear Policy

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has repeatedly stressed that the country’s nuclear status is irreversible.

In March, Kim said expanding North Korea’s “self-defensive nuclear deterrent” was essential for national security.

Despite years of United Nations sanctions targeting its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, Pyongyang has continued accelerating weapons development.

South Korea Calls For Dialogue

Following Tuesday’s launch, South Korea urged the North to respond to peace initiatives and efforts aimed at reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Seoul also reiterated its commitment to the complete denuclearisation of the peninsula through what officials described as a phased and pragmatic approach coordinated with the international community.

(with inputs from Reuters)