The military is closely watching North Korean forces as Pyongyang announced bans on ships sailing in an area off its western coast from June 19th to 27th.

A government source said Friday that Pyongyang is likely to have made the declaration in preparation for regular military drills that may include 240-millimeter artillery. However, the source was quick to add that the South Korean military is also closely watching for the possibility of short-range missile launches by the North.

The source stressed there are currently no signs that Pyongyang plans to launch short- or mid-range missiles.