North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Eastward

Key facts

• North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile eastward.
• The launch occurred from the Wonsan area on the east coast.
• South Korea's military detected the missile at approximately 6 a.m.
• The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) has increased surveillance.
• The launch is interpreted as a protest against upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills.

North Korea fired at least one ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Wednesday, South Korea's military reported. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) detected the missile launch from the Wonsan area on the east coast at approximately 6 a.m. The military has heightened surveillance and vigilance for potential additional launches. This incident follows a short-range missile launch by North Korea the previous Thursday. The launches coincide with the upcoming annual combined military exercises between South Korea and the United States, which Pyongyang has strongly denounced as war rehearsals.