North Korea Fires Suspected Ballistic Missile Toward East Sea, Japan Says
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| A file image showing a previous North Korean missile launch. The image is not a photograph of the September 20, 2026 launch. |
Seoul/Tokyo, September 20, 2026: North Korea launched what appeared to be a ballistic missile toward the sea east of the Korean Peninsula on Sunday, Japan’s Defence Ministry said, in the latest weapons launch by Pyongyang.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff initially reported that North Korea had fired an unidentified projectile from its east coast. Japanese authorities subsequently identified the projectile as a suspected ballistic missile.
Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported that the projectile fell into the sea outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. No immediate damage or casualties were reported.
South Korea Monitoring the Launch
South Korea’s military said it was analyzing the projectile’s characteristics, including its specifications and flight range. If confirmed as a ballistic missile, Sunday’s launch would come eight days after North Korea’s previous ballistic-missile launch on September 12.
On September 12, North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea, according to South Korea’s military. The missiles travelled about 250 kilometres before falling into the sea.
Tensions Follow Military Exercises
The latest launch comes amid continuing tensions between North Korea and the United States, South Korea and Japan.
A five-day trilateral military exercise involving the three countries ended on September 10 near Guam. Pyongyang has repeatedly criticized joint military exercises involving Washington and Seoul, describing them as hostile actions.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, said on Friday that U.S.-led military exercises were contributing to worsening tensions on the Korean Peninsula and said Pyongyang would continue strengthening its nuclear capabilities.
North Korea Rejects UN Nuclear Resolution
The missile launch also followed North Korea’s rejection of a resolution by the UN nuclear watchdog concerning its nuclear programme.
Pyongyang has continued to develop and test different missile systems despite international pressure and calls for negotiations over its nuclear and weapons programmes.
Key Facts
• Country: North Korea
• Date: September 20, 2026
• Launch: Suspected/apparent ballistic missile
• Direction: Toward the East Sea/Sea of Japan
• Japan’s assessment: Suspected ballistic missile
• South Korea’s initial description: Unidentified projectile
• Reported landing: Outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone
• Casualties/damage: None immediately reported