North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the sea on Wednesday, as reported by neighbors. This marks the second weapons test in under a week.

The timing of the launches likely serves as a protest against the impending Korea-U.S. military drills. North Korea perceives these exercises as preparation for invasion.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed detecting the launch from North Korea’s eastern Wonsan region toward the eastern waters around 6 a.m. The South Korean military increased its surveillance efforts and is closely communicating with the United States and Japan regarding the incident.

Japan’s Defense Ministry noted a suspected ballistic missile launch from North Korea. The missile reportedly did not reach Japan’s exclusive economic zone, implying it landed further from their coast.

The missile tests follow the announcement from South Korea and the United States of their upcoming annual military drills slated to start next week. These exercises, called Ulchi Freedom Shield, aim to enhance preparedness against North Korean threats. Scheduled for an 11-day period beginning Monday, the drills will involve 18,000 South Korean troops.

North Korea has a history of reacting to such exercises with provocative missile tests and aggressive statements. North Korea often claims these drills as offensive maneuvers, compelling it to strengthen its nuclear arsenal. Conversely, the U.S. and South Korea consistently emphasize their defensive intent.

Earlier in August, South Korea, the U.S., and Japan identified a short-range ballistic missile launch from North Korea. This marked North Korea’s first ballistic test since late June. Though North Korea did not immediately verify the launch, it typically releases details about its weapons tests the following day.

North Korea has been conducting numerous weapons tests since leader Kim Jong Un’s talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump stalled in 2019 over disagreements regarding international sanctions.