A new intermediate-range ballistic missile tipped with a hypersonic warhead is launched on Jan. 6, in this file photo. (Korean Central News Agency via Yonhap) North Korea launched at least one unidentified projectile toward the East Sea on Thursday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.The JCS said it detected the launch at around 5 p.m. Thursday but did not immediately provide further details. The type of projectile, its flight distance and the number launched were not disclosed.The latest launch came eight days after North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the East Sea from the Wonsan area on Aug. 12. The missile flew about 700 kilometers, according to the South Korean military.The launch also came as South Korea and the United States conduct their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise. Originally scheduled to run through Aug. 27, the joint exercise was shortened Friday following US President Donald Trump's order to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea.Trump cited what he described as his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, saying large-scale military exercises could send an unnecessarily hostile signal to Pyongyang.
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