Two Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Fired into the East Sea by North Korea (Comprehensive)

First Missile Launch While Leader Is Abroad

North Korea launched ballistic missiles in a surprise attack ahead of a summit with Russia. This missile provocation occurred as Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, who is visiting Russia, was expected to begin a summit with President Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Amur Oblast later that afternoon.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced on the 13th, "Our military detected two short-range ballistic missiles launched by North Korea from the Sunan area toward the East Sea between approximately 11:43 a.m. and 11:53 a.m."

According to NHK reports, the Japan Coast Guard stated at 11:46 a.m. that one of the two ballistic missiles, which was launched first, appears to have already fallen outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). If the Japanese report is accurate, it is estimated that one missile crashed about three minutes after launch.

This is the first time North Korea has launched ballistic missiles in 14 days since firing two short-range ballistic missiles on the 30th of last month. The ballistic missile launch also seems to serve as a check against the United States, which has been issuing warnings daily ahead of the North Korea-Russia summit.

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, said on the 11th (local time), "I would characterize (President Putin) having to travel across his own territory to seek support from an international pariah as 'begging for support.'"

The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, "Our military has strengthened surveillance and vigilance in preparation for additional launches, maintaining full readiness while closely cooperating between South Korea and the United States."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.