Russia

North Korea launches approximately 10 missiles toward Sea of Japan — South Korean military

TASS English · 2026-08-20

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: North Korea launched approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles from the outskirts of Pyongyang toward the Sea of Japan, as reported by South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. • Why it matters: This missile launch heightens tensions on the Korean Peninsula and reflects ongoing military provocations, particularly in light of recent U.S.-South Korea military exercises. • What to watch next: Monitor for potential additional missile launches from North Korea and the responses from South Korea, the United States, and Japan as they share intelligence on the situation.

Tensions on the Korean PeninsulaNorth Korea launches approximately 10 missiles toward Sea of Japan — South Korean military The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that they "maintain vigilance for additional launches"© Chung Sung-Jun/ Getty ImagesSEOUL, August 20. /TASS/. The DPRK military have launched approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles from the outskirts of Pyongyang toward the Sea of Japan, the News1 agency reported, citing the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. Earlier, the Republic of Korea’s Armed Forces reported the launch of an unspecified projectile toward the Sea of Japan. The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that they "maintain vigilance for additional launches." South Korea, the United States, and Japan are exchanging information about North Korea's ballistic missile, the JSC added. North Korea last launched ballistic missiles on August 12. The South Korean military continues to analyze flight data, including range. Earlier, at the suggestion of US President Donald Trump, the US and South Korea reduced the scale and duration of their bilateral Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises to August 21. The day before, Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leader's sister, stated that Pyongyang does not attach any significance to US President Donald Trump's announced reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea. "Reducing the scale or duration of the exercises does not change the essence of the military maneuvers, which are provocative and aggressive in nature," she emphasized. 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Source: TASS English
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