Three days after testing a long-range nuclear-capable missile, North Korea has launched another ballistic missile. South Korea's military has detected the launch of a short-range missile in the west of the neighboring country, said the general staff in the capital Seoul.

The rocket flew about 800 kilometers eastward before crashing into the open sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. The US again sent a long-range B-1B bomber to South Korea for air force exercises.

North Korea's recent missile tests are also seen as a direct response to US military exercises with its ally South Korea. Both countries have denied allegations by Pyongyang that their exercises were in preparation for an attack.

South Korea and the US accuse North Korea of ​​serious provocation over its missile tests. The latest test also represents a clear violation of US resolutions, according to a statement from South Korea's top command authority. North Korea is banned from all ballistic missile tests. Depending on the design, such rockets can be equipped with a nuclear warhead.

Just recently tested ICBM

After testing its largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-17, North Korea warned the United States and South Korea about their maneuvers on Thursday. The range of ICBM exceeds 5500 kilometers. The country, run autocratically by Kim Jong Un, is subject to international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons program.

According to the Ministry of Defense in Seoul, both countries undertook an air force exercise as part of their multi-day commando exercise "Freedom Shield". In addition to a conventional B-1B supersonic bomber, fighter jets from both sides were also used. In contrast to B-52 bombers, for example, B-1B bombers in their current design do not have nuclear capability.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated significantly since last year. North Korea increased the scope of its missile tests. The US and South Korea resumed full-scale military exercises.