North Korea Launches Ballistic Missiles Following Trilateral Drills

The Government of North Korea conducted a series of missile launches and a large-scale firepower attack drill between September 12 and September 13, 2026. These actions followed the conclusion of five days of joint maritime exercises involving South Korea, Japan, and the United States, which North Korea views as a security threat.

On September 12, North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea reported these missiles traveled approximately 250 kilometers. In response, the Office of National Security of South Korea held an emergency meeting, characterizing the launches as a serious violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The United States Army Pacific Command stated the missiles posed no immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory.

On September 13, the Korean People's Army expanded these activities into a combined firepower attack drill. According to the Korean Central News Agency, the exercise utilized tactical cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, attack drones, and large-caliber thermal-pressure multiple rocket launchers. South Korean officials confirmed additional ballistic missile launches from Wonsan during this drill. These events follow more than 10 launches last month and persist despite expressed interest from U.S. President Donald Trump in meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.