North Korea Launches Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Toward East Sea
On April 19, 2026, North Korea fired a barrage of short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea (Sea of Japan), according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The launch was condemned by Seoul as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and comes amid heightened regional tensions. The test coincided with the ongoing U.S.-led military exercise 'Operation Epic Fury,' which involves thousands of troops and is designed to enhance strategic deterrence against North Korean and Chinese naval aggression.