News world ‘Threatens Peace And Security’: North Korea Fires Two Missiles In 3 Hours, Seoul Condemns‘Threatens Peace And Security’: North Korea Fires Two Missiles In 3 Hours, Seoul CondemnsPublished By :,Last Updated: September 20, 2026, 15:45 ISTNorth Korea fired two projectiles from its eastern coast within three hours on Sunday, with South Korea identifying the first as short-range ballistic missile.
Japan Protests North Korean LaunchJapan also lodged a protest through diplomatic channels in Beijing, according to a report by Nikkei.
Pyongyang Blames US-Led Military DrillsThe missile launches came amid continued tensions between North Korea and the US, South Korea and Japan.
North Korea had criticised a US-led naval exercise involving South Korea and Japan, which was held near Guam from August 29 to September 10.
A day before the latest missile launches, North Korea also rejected a resolution adopted by the UN nuclear watchdog concerning the country’s nuclear programme.
News world ‘Threatens Peace And Security’: North Korea Fires Two Missiles In 3 Hours, Seoul Condemns
‘Threatens Peace And Security’: North Korea Fires Two Missiles In 3 Hours, Seoul Condemns
Published By :
,
Last Updated: September 20, 2026, 15:45 IST
North Korea fired two projectiles from its eastern coast within three hours on Sunday, with South Korea identifying the first as short-range ballistic missile.
3 Quick Answers
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees a missile test launch (File Photo/ Reuters)
North Korea carried out two missile launches from its eastern coast on Sunday, with the second test coming only about three hours after the first. The launches came days after Pyongyang criticised US-led military exercises in the region and accused Washington of increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
South Korea’s defence ministry said the first launch took place from the Wonsan area at around 3 pm local time. The projectile was identified as a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) and was fired towards the East Sea.
About three hours later, North Korea launched another unidentified projectile. Details about its flight were not immediately available. If the second launch is confirmed to have been a ballistic missile, it would mean Pyongyang carried out two ballistic missile tests within a three-hour period.
First Missile Flew Around 450 Km
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the first missile travelled around 450 km (280 miles). The military believes it was likely part of the Hwasong-11 series.
Japan’s defence ministry also assessed that the first projectile appeared to be a ballistic missile. Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported that the missile fell outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
“South Korean and US intelligence authorities have been tracking and sharing related developments from the initial stage of the launch, and have also shared information regarding the ‘North Korean ballistic missile’ with Japan," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
South Korea’s National Security Council condemned the launch, saying the test violated United Nations Security Council resolutions. It urged Pyongyang to stop its missile activity.
Japan Protests North Korean Launch
Japan also lodged a protest through diplomatic channels in Beijing, according to a report by Nikkei.
“This series of North Korean actions threatens the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community," Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi was quoted as saying by Nikkei.
The latest launches followed another North Korean missile test on September 12.
Pyongyang Blames US-Led Military Drills
The missile launches came amid continued tensions between North Korea and the US, South Korea and Japan.
North Korea had criticised a US-led naval exercise involving South Korea and Japan, which was held near Guam from August 29 to September 10.
On Friday, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, blamed US-led military exercises for what she described as “ever-worsening" tensions on the Korean Peninsula. She also said Pyongyang would not change its course of strengthening its nuclear arsenal.
A day before the latest missile launches, North Korea also rejected a resolution adopted by the UN nuclear watchdog concerning the country’s nuclear programme.
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Quick Answers Powered by Ask News18 How many missiles did North Korea fire and what was the time interval between them? North Korea fired two missiles from its eastern coast on Sunday, with the second test occurring only about three hours after the first launch. What reaction did South Korea and Japan have to North Korea's recent missile launches? South Korea's National Security Council condemned the launches as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Meanwhile, Japan lodged a diplomatic protest through Beijing, stating that North Korea's actions threaten regional and international peace and security. What reason did North Korea give for conducting the recent missile tests? North Korea criticized US-led military exercises and naval drills near Guam, with Kim Yo Jong blaming these actions for worsening tensions on the Korean Peninsula and reaffirming Pyongyang's commitment to strengthening its nuclear arsenal. Powered by Ask News18
About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More
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First Published: September 20, 2026, 15:45 IST
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