Overview
- South Korea’s Joint Chiefs detected multiple short-range ballistic missiles launched around 3:50 p.m. local time, each flying about 350 kilometers into the Sea of Japan.
- Japan reported at least two projectiles falling off the Korean Peninsula’s east coast outside its exclusive economic zone, convened an emergency team, and condemned the launches.
- North Korean state media said Kim Jong-un oversaw a large-caliber multiple-rocket-launcher drill and claimed gains in mobility, guidance, precision, and resistance to external interference.
- Kim stated he will present plans to strengthen nuclear deterrence at the upcoming Workers’ Party congress, following a series of recent weapons demonstrations.
- United States Forces Korea assessed no immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, and the launches followed a visit to Seoul by senior Pentagon official Elbridge Colby.