North Korea Launches Ballistic Missiles Amid Silence from State Media

• •North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan on September 12, 2026.
• •The missile launches followed a trilateral military exercise involving South Korea, Japan, and the U.S.
• •North Korean state media has remained silent on these missile launches, which is atypical.

On September 12, 2026, North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan, following a trilateral military exercise involving South Korea, Japan, and the United States. The missiles were launched from the Wonsan area and traveled approximately 250 kilometers. This event marks a continuation of North Korea's recent missile activity, which has seen a series of launches since early August, all of which have gone unreported by state media. The silence from North Korean state media is unusual, as such launches are typically publicized, especially when overseen by leader Kim Jong-un. The missile launches were condemned by North Korean officials, who labeled the recent military exercises as a significant security threat. The situation remains tense as diplomatic signals from the U.S. suggest potential future negotiations with North Korea's leadership.