Official statements from the US State Department or North Korean government

North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles Off East Coast in First Launch in Over Two Months

Sep 11, 2024, 10:18 PM

North Korea has launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Thursday, according to the South Korean military. This marks the first such launch in more than two months. The missiles reportedly flew up to 360 kilometers before landing in the East Sea. The launch comes shortly after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced plans to exponentially increase the country's nuclear arsenal and prepare its nuclear forces for combat, citing threats from the United States and its allies. The Japan Coast Guard confirmed that the missiles likely landed outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. South Korea's military has strongly condemned the missile launch.