North Korea Launches Short-Range Missile into East Sea

North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Friday, South Korea's military reported, escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula amid stalled diplomatic efforts with the United States.

The missile was fired around 12:35 p.m. local time from an inland area in North Pyongan Province, near the border with China and north of Pyongyang, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. It traveled approximately 700 kilometers before splashing down in waters outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, with no reports of damage or injuries. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the landing and stated that Tokyo had activated an emergency response posture while coordinating with Seoul and Washington.

South Korea's military detected the launch and is analyzing its specifications, including the missile's type and trajectory. Officials said they have heightened surveillance and vigilance in anticipation of possible additional tests, sharing real-time data with the United States and Japan. The U.S. military also tracked the projectile, consistent with joint monitoring efforts in the region.

The test marks North Korea's seventh ballistic missile launch...