Updated May 9, 2019

North Korea fires suspected missiles, South reports

Kim Jong-un. Photo: Pyeongyang Press Corps/Pool/Getty Images

North Korea fired 2 suspected short-range missiles eastward Thursday, South Korea's military said, per AP.

Details: The launch began about 4:30 p.m. local time from the northwest location of Sino-ri, towards the east, the South’s Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement, according to Reuters.

Why it matters: It's the latest development in escalating tensions in the region. On Saturday, North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un oversaw "strike drill" missile tests and said troops should be on "high alert posture." Negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea on denuclearization have stalled since President Trump's summit with Kim ended without a deal in Hanoi in February.

The big picture: Trump remained optimistic of reaching an agreement with Kim after Saturday's missile tests. The latest launch coincides with U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun visiting South Korea.

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