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

North Korea fired several ballistic missiles into the sea on Monday, South Korea’s military said. It comes hours after South Korean and US troops kicked off their large annual combined drills, which the North views as an invasion rehearsal.