SEOUL, South Korea — October 29, 2026
North Korea fired around 10 short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea off its eastern coast on Thursday, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, in another launch that highlights persistent security tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
South Korean authorities reported the launches as regional governments continued monitoring North Korea's missile activity. Japan also detected a possible ballistic weapon launch, according to reports citing Japanese defence officials.
Regional security concerns
Ballistic missile launches by North Korea are closely monitored by South Korea, Japan and the United States because they can provide information about the country's weapons capabilities and military readiness.
The latest launches follow earlier missile activity this year. Pyongyang has repeatedly defended its weapons development as a matter of national security, while neighbouring governments view its missile programme as a regional threat.
What happens next?
South Korean and Japanese authorities are expected to assess available tracking data to establish the missiles' flight paths and technical characteristics. The launches may also prompt further consultations among regional security partners.
There was no independently confirmed information in the initial reports establishing damage or casualties from the launches. The full strategic implications will depend on further military assessments and any response from the governments involved.
This article reflects information available on October 29. Further technical details and official reactions may follow.
