North Korea launches ballistic missiles from Wonsan after US‑South Korea‑Japan drill

North Korea fired a series of short‑range ballistic missiles toward the sea on Saturday, the Korean Peninsula’s first such launch since a joint U.S., South Korean and Japanese military exercise concluded the previous day. The missiles were reportedly launched from the Wonsan area on the country’s eastern coast, according to statements from South Korea’s armed forces. The trilateral drill, described by the participating nations as a response to North Korea’s ongoing nuclear and missile programs, involved live‑fire exercises and coordinated air‑defense scenarios aimed at enhancing interoperability among the allies.

Seoul said it was closely monitoring the launch and assessing any potential impact on regional security, while reiterating its call for Pyongyang to refrain from further provocations. The United States and Japan also confirmed they were tracking the missiles and expressed readiness to respond to any escalation. The latest test underscores the heightened tension on the Korean Peninsula and the continued emphasis on joint deterrence measures among the three nations.