SEOUL — North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles from its eastern coast on 20 September, escalating tensions with the United States and its regional allies.
South Korean and Japanese authorities said the launches originated near Wonsan and occurred about three hours apart.
The first missile travelled roughly 450 kilometres, while the second flew more than 600 kilometres before falling into the sea, according to assessments reported by both Reuters and the Associated Press.
South Korea’s National Security Council condemned the tests as violations of UN Security Council resolutions and called on Pyongyang to halt further launches.
Japan also lodged a diplomatic protest, while officials said the first missile appeared to have landed outside the country’s exclusive economic zone.
The launches followed North Korean criticism of US-led military exercises and renewed declarations that it would continue strengthening its nuclear deterrent.
The episode underscores the fragile regional security environment as diplomacy remains stalled and North Korea deepens strategic relations with Russia and China.
References
- Reuters — North Korea fires two ballistic missiles
- Associated Press — Missile launches increase pressure on the United States
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