North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles Toward Sea of Japan Amid Military Buildup
North Korea fired what appeared to be two ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, Japanese officials confirmed.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported detecting a “projectile” launched toward what Seoul refers to as the East Sea. Meanwhile, Japan’s coast guard, citing the defense ministry, confirmed that both missiles had landed outside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
This marks Pyongyang’s second missile test of the month, following earlier launches timed ahead of South Korea’s leader traveling to China for a summit. The tests come shortly after a high-level visit to Seoul by Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s number three official, who praised South Korea as a “model ally.”
Analysts say North Korea’s missile program aims to enhance its precision strike capabilities, challenge the United States and South Korea, and potentially prepare weapons for export to Russia.
The tests precede a landmark congress of North Korea’s ruling party, the first in five years. Leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the expansion and modernization of the country’s missile production, signaling continued focus on strengthening the military amid rising regional tensions.
The launches are part of a broader pattern of accelerated weapons testing by Pyongyang in recent years, raising concerns among neighboring countries and international security observers.
