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North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles toward East Sea: Seoul - Anadolu Ajansı

Aa.Tr • October 12, 2026

North Korea's ballistic missile launches Monday appeared to be a response to South Korea's successful test of a hypersonic glide vehicle last week, said the South Korean military.

The assessment came after North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, with at least one traveling more than 900 kilometers (559 miles), according to Yonhap News Agency.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) detected the launches around 9.20 am local time (0020GMT) from the Pyongyang area.

JCS spokesperson Jang Do-young said the launches could also be intended to demonstrate progress under North Korea's five-year defense development plan, Yonhap reported.

Jang declined to confirm whether the missiles were hypersonic or intermediate-range weapons, saying further technical analysis was required.

South Korea conducted its first test launch of a hypersonic glide vehicle Thursday, in an apparent demonstration of its advanced missile capabilities.

Japan also detected two suspected ballistic missiles, which reportedly fell outside its exclusive economic zone.

The latest launches come amid tensions following a Sept. 21 land mine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone that injured three South Korean soldiers, two of them seriously.

Seoul accused North Korean troops of deliberately planting the mines following a joint investigation with the UN Command.

Pyongyang denied responsibility, accused Seoul of fabricating the findings and warned of retaliation against any military counteraction.

North Korea has so far not issued a public statement on Monday's launches.

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The full story

This article is one source in a clustered incident — the cluster page carries the summary, timeline and every other outlet covering it.

North Korea Launches Multiple Ballistic Missiles Amid Rising Tensions On October 12, 2026, North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan, escalating tensions in the region. The South Korean military reported that missiles were launched from the Pyongyang area, with at least one missile traveling over 900 kilometers. This launch follows a series of missile tests, including a hypersonic missile test on October 3, which North Korea claimed could evade missile defenses. The missile tests come amid heightened tensions after a landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone injured three South Korean soldiers, which South Korea attributed to North Korean forces. The South Korean government condemned the missile launches as violations of UN Security Council resolutions. Japan's Defense Ministry confirmed the detection of at least two missiles, which landed outside its exclusive economic zone. The situation remains critical as both North and South Korea continue to enhance their military capabilities. 44 sources 68

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