North Korea fired several ballistic missiles into the sea on Monday in what was the latest display of the communist country’s military capabilities. The missile launches were reportedly in response to the joint military drills conducted in the region between the U.

"South Korean military has increased surveillance and maintaining readiness posture in close cooperation with the U.S.," South Korea's Joint Chiefs said on Monday.

South Korean and U.S. troops will begin their large annual joint military drills next week to enhance their readiness against North Korean threats.