The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) of South Korea reported that North Korea launched the missiles from Sinpo, a coastal area in central North Korea, into the eastern waters at 6:10 AM today. "The South Korean military maintains a readiness posture, continuously sharing information on North Korea's ballistic missiles with the United States and Japan to enhance surveillance," the agency added, without specifying the number or type of missiles fired. Japan later confirmed the missiles fell into the waters east of the Korean Peninsula, outside its exclusive economic zone.

North Korea has not yet commented on the launches. These mark the 7th ballistic missile launch by North Korea in 2026 and the 4th this month.

A North Korean missile during a test launch in 10/2025. *Photo: AFP*

South Korea's military previously reported that North Korea fired two salvos of short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern waters on 8/4. The day before, North Korea launched an unidentified missile from the Pyongyang capital region. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) later announced that the country conducted a series of weapon tests from 6-8/4 as part of a routine plan to upgrade and develop its weapon systems. Among the weapons fired was the Hwasong-11Ka tactical ballistic missile, equipped with cluster warheads.

According to AFP news agency, these launches represent North Korea's latest move to reject efforts to mend relations on the peninsula. On 6/4, South Korea expressed regret over a civilian drone infringing on North Korean airspace, an act Pyongyang deemed "wise."

Location of the Korean Peninsula. *Graphic: CSIS*

Technically, North and South Korea remain in a state of war, as the 1950-1953 conflict concluded with an armistice agreement, not a peace treaty. Tensions between the two sides are often high, with North Korea intensifying weapon tests and issuing deterrent messages, while South Korea strengthens joint exercises with its US ally.

By Nhu Tam (Based on AFP, Reuters)