Pyongyang test-fires missiles after rivals’ military drill

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 13, 2026

North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the eastern sea on Saturday, marking its first test in about three weeks and occurring shortly after a joint military exercise by the US, South Korea, and Japan. The launches highlight continued regional tensions and prompted increased surveillance and diplomatic calls for North Korea to halt missile activities that violate UN resolutions.

North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern coastal waters on Saturday, according to South Korean military officials, marking the country’s first missile tests in roughly three weeks. The launches occurred a day after the conclusion of a trilateral military exercise involving the United States, South Korea, and Japan, which North Korea views as a provocation.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that several missiles were fired from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast, each traveling approximately 250 kilometers before landing in the sea. The South Korean military increased its surveillance activities and maintained close communication with the United States and Japan to monitor the situation.

The South Korean presidential national security council issued a statement calling on North Korea to cease ballistic missile launches that violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. Meanwhile, the US Pacific Command said the launches did not pose an immediate threat to US territory or its allies.

The missile tests follow a recent period of heightened tensions involving North Korea’s weapons program. They come after US President Donald Trump decided to scale back a major bilateral military drill with South Korea as a goodwill gesture aimed at lowering hostilities. Nevertheless, North Korea appears to be continuing its weapons demonstrations in response to ongoing joint military activities in the region.

The missile launches took place a day after the completion of the Freedom Edge exercise, a five-day joint military drill involving the United States, South Korea, and Japan. The US Pacific Command described the exercise as an operation to train forces “side by side across air, sea and cyber domains,” aiming to strengthen interoperability and regional security.

South Korea’s military emphasized that the exercise was defensive in nature and focused on improving joint response capabilities against nuclear threats from North Korea. The trilateral drills are part of ongoing efforts by the three countries to deter aggression and maintain stability in the region amid persistent security challenges posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.