North Korea fires multiple short-range ballistic missiles into East Sea

North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea on April 19, 2026, South Korea's military reported.

The missiles were fired from the Sinpo area and flew approximately 140 kilometres.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launches and stated that South Korean and US intelligence agencies are conducting a detailed analysis of the missiles' exact specifications.

The launches were detected at around 6:10 am local time.

No casualties or damage have been reported so far.

In response, South Korea's presidential office held an emergency security meeting.

Seoul emphasized maintaining a firm combined defense posture with the United States, which stations about 28,000 troops in South Korea, and warned it would respond overwhelmingly to any provocation.

These missile tests add to a recent series of weapons launches by North Korea, including ballistic missiles, anti-warship cruise missiles, and cluster munitions.

The tests come amid ongoing regional tensions and signal Pyongyang's rejection of recent South Korean efforts to improve strained inter-Korean relations.

Earlier in April, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw tests of strategic cruise missiles launched from a naval warship, highlighting the country's continued focus on advancing its military capabilities.

North Korea is subject to multiple United Nations sanctions banning its nuclear weapons development and ballistic missile technology, which it has repeatedly violated.

Seoul's defense ministry called on Pyongyang to halt its missile provocations and engage actively in peace efforts.

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