North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile toward the sea on Wednesday, according to Japan and South Korea.

The missile reportedly landed in waters off North Korea’s east coast, marking the country’s second weapons launch in less than a week.

The launch came just days before South Korea and the United States are scheduled to begin their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises.

North Korea considers the drills a rehearsal for invasion and has previously responded with missile tests and threats, ABC News has reported.

The latest launch adds to rising tensions in the region following another North Korean ballistic missile test detected last week.