North Korea fires two ballistic missiles into East Sea

North Korea launched two suspected short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Sunday (September 20), South Korea’s military and Japan’s Defence Ministry reported.

The first missile was fired from the Wonsan area at around 3 PM local time and travelled approximately 450 kilometres. A second missile was launched nearly three hours later and reportedly flew more than 600 kilometres.

Both missiles are believed to have landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

The launches came amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with Pyongyang criticising US-led military exercises involving South Korea and Japan.

South Korea condemned the tests, while the United States and Japan expressed concern.