North Korea fires short-range ballistic missile

On August 6, 2026, North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile from its eastern coastal Wonsan area toward the sea off its east coast, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The launch, detected around 5 p.m. local time, was North Korea's first since late June and came days before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises between the United States and South Korea, which North Korea views as invasion rehearsals. Japan's Defense Ministry confirmed a possible ballistic missile launch but reported no impact in or around Japan. The test follows recent criticism by Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, of Japan's military build-up and Tomahawk missile firing. North Korea has been expanding its nuclear and missile arsenals since diplomacy with former U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019, and has deepened ties with Russia, supplying weapons and troops for the war in Ukraine. The launch was condemned by South Korea's presidential office as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Analysts suggest the test may be intended to demonstrate weapons capabilities ahead of a possible visit by Kim Jong Un to Russia.