North Korea Fires Missiles After Trump Reduces Military Drills

The Government of North Korea fired approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters from the Pyongyang area on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The projectiles traveled roughly 300 kilometers each and were detected by the Japanese Coast Guard, the Japanese prime minister's office, and the South Korean military.

The barrage occurred hours after President Donald Trump announced plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year. Trump had ordered Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to substantially reduce the scale and duration of the Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises with South Korea. Trump described the drills as inappropriate and hostile, citing high costs and South Korea's lack of support in the war with Iran.

Kim Yo Jong, sister of Kim Jong Un, dismissed the reduction of the drills, stating that their provocative and aggressive nature remains unchanged. She denied that any current communication exists between Washington and Pyongyang, though she noted that relations between Trump and her brother remain excellent. She further asserted that the U.S. would not receive the desired answer by framing the reduction of exercises as an act of good faith.