North Korea fires two suspected ballistic missiles off east coast within three hours

Key facts

• North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Sunday.
• The missiles flew approximately 450 km.
• The launches occurred within hours of each other.
• South Korea's military confirmed the launches.
• Japan's defense ministry noted a suspected missile outside its territory.
• South Korea urged North Korea to halt missile launches.

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Sunday, according to South Korea's military and Japan's defense ministry. The first missile was launched from Wonsan and flew approximately 450 kilometers. The launches occurred within hours of each other amid ongoing joint military drills between South Korea and the United States.

Following the launches, South Korea convened an emergency security meeting and urged North Korea to cease its missile provocations. Japan's defense ministry stated it detected a suspected missile outside its territorial waters.