North Korea fired two short-range missiles into the East Sea early Monday as South Korea and the U.S. begin their annual joint military exercises.
 
South Korea's Defense Ministry said the North fired the projectiles between 6:30 and 6:40 in the morning Monday from its western port city of Nampo some 490 kilometers into the East Sea. The projectiles are presumed to be short-range ballistic missiles.
 
The South’s military believes the North fired the missiles to protest the joint military drills. It added it is maintaining defense readiness to be prepared for any further provocations.