North Korea conducts ballistic missile tests

On September 20, 2026, North Korea launched ballistic missiles from the Wonsan region, marking the second such test in approximately one week. South Korean officials reported that the launch occurred around 15:00 local time, while Japanese authorities confirmed the projectiles fell outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. While South Korean reports initially described the event as the launch of an unidentified projectile, subsequent assessments by Seoul and Tokyo identified the weapons as ballistic missiles. Reporter sources additionally indicated that two missiles were launched within a three-hour period, heightening security alerts in the region.

The launches follow North Korea's rejection of a recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolution condemning its nuclear program. Pyongyang has accused the United States of escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula through military exercises. In response, South Korea's National Security Council condemned the actions as a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions and demanded an immediate cessation of such tests. Authorities in both Seoul and Tokyo remain on high alert, monitoring the situation to evaluate potential threats and further developments regarding regional stability.