DPRK launches ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan
DPRK conducted a missile test on Sunday 4 January, launching several ballistic missiles towards the Japan Sea. This was reported by the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the South Korean Armed Forces. According to military estimates, the missiles flew about 900 kilometres and landed in the sea
The Japanese Coast Guard confirmed the launches and said that two missiles were probably launched. South Korea's military said it was on high alert and exchanging information closely with the US and Japan as it monitored the situation
This is Pyongyang's first ballistic missile launch since November 2025. Back then, the missile flew 700 kilometres and landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. The launch of ballistic missiles of any range is prohibited by UN resolutions as such vehicles can be equipped with nuclear warheads.
In recent years, tensions on the Korean Peninsula have increased. The DPRK has significantly increased the number of tests, while the US and South Korea have expanded military cooperation and exercises
Photo: Aljazeera
