North Korea launches ballistic missiles for fourth time this month

WorldPolitics
19 Apr 2026 • 8:15 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

North Korea launches ballistic missiles for fourth time this month

  • North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea on Sunday from its eastern Sinpo area, marking its fourth launch this month and seventh this year.
  • South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launches, bolstering surveillance and coordinating with the US and Japan, while its National Security Council plans an emergency meeting.
  • Japan's Defense Ministry also detected the launches, which it said violate UN Security Council resolutions.
  • The launches follow recent statements by Kim Jong Un emphasizing the "limitless expansion" of North Korea's nuclear forces and a "rapid increase" in nuclear facility activities reported by the IAEA.
  • Experts suggest these missile tests aim to demonstrate self-defense capabilities and exert pressure for future dialogue with the United States and South Korea.

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