Overview

• North Korea fires multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea, marking its first missile test in about a month.
• The missile launches occur as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends the Summit for Democracy in Seoul, emphasizing Pyongyang's opposition to U.S.-South Korea military drills.
• Japan and South Korea confirm the missile launches, with projectiles landing in waters outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
• The tests follow the conclusion of the annual Freedom Shield joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea, which North Korea condemns as invasion rehearsals.
• U.S. and South Korean officials reaffirm their commitment to regional security, condemning the missile tests as threats to peace and stability.