North Korea Fires Two Ballistic Missiles in Three-Hour Window Off East Coast

North Korea launches two ballistic missiles within three hours, escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea and Japan respond with concern.

Editorial Desk

September 20, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Seoul, South Korea — North Korea conducted a series of missile tests off its eastern coast on Sunday, firing two short-range ballistic missiles within a three-hour period. This marks the second set of launches in roughly a week, following a similar test on September 12.

The first missile was launched from the Wonsan area around 3 p.m. local time, according to South Korea’s defense ministry, and was identified as a ballistic missile. A second launch occurred just over two hours later, also from Wonsan, and reportedly traveled more than 600 kilometers. Both tests were detected by South Korean and Japanese authorities.

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South Korea’s National Security Council condemned the activity, calling it a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Japan also expressed concern, with Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stating that the actions threaten regional peace and security. The tests come amid heightened tensions, with North Korea recently criticizing US-led military exercises and a UN resolution targeting its nuclear program.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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