North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile Toward Sea

North Korea launched a ballistic missile toward the sea on Wednesday, marking its second such weapons test in less than a week and a likely protest of upcoming joint military drills between South Korea and the United States. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported the launch originated from the North's eastern coastal Wonsan area at approximately 6 a.m. local time, with the missile traveling more than 700 kilometers, or about 435 miles, before falling into the sea.

Japan's Defense Ministry also confirmed it detected a suspected ballistic missile launch, noting the weapon did not enter Japan's exclusive economic zone. In response, South Korea's military stated it had strengthened its surveillance posture and was closely coordinating with Washington and Tokyo. South Korea's presidential national security council issued a statement urging North Korea to cease its missile launches, calling them provocative acts that violate multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The launch occurred two days after South Korea and the United States announced the schedule for their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises, set to begin on August 17 and run for 11 days. North...