**SEOUL** — North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea off its east coast on Sunday morning, April 19, 2026, South Korea’s military and Japan’s defense authorities said.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the launches around 6:10 a.m. local time from the Sinpo area in South Hamgyong Province. The missiles flew toward the Eastern Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, according to the South Korean military. Japan’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the launches and assessed that the projectiles landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said it was aware of the missile launches and was consulting with allies and partners. “Based on current assessments, this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies,” the command stated.
Details on the exact number of missiles, their flight distances and whether they carried specific warheads remained unclear as of Sunday afternoon. No damage or injuries were reported.
The launch marked North Korea’s latest weapons test activity this year and came amid heightened regional tensions, including the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. North Korea has conducted multiple ballistic missile tests in recent months, including a series of launches in early April.
South Korean officials expressed concern during an emergency National Security Council meeting, according to local reports. The launches followed a period of relative quiet since North Korea’s tests earlier in the month.
A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that Washington continues to monitor North Korean activities closely in coordination with South Korea and Japan.
North Korea’s state media has not yet commented on Sunday’s launches. In previous tests, the Korean Central News Agency has described such activities as routine drills to enhance the combat readiness of its forces.
As of Sunday evening, no further launches were reported. Vessel and aircraft traffic in the area continued under heightened monitoring by regional authorities, with no disruptions confirmed.
The incident adds to a series of ballistic missile activities by North Korea in 2026, which have drawn condemnation from the United States, South Korea and Japan while prompting calls for restraint and dialogue.
