Archive · 4 Jan 2026
North Korea Fires Missiles Amid Tensions
North Korea launched several missiles into the sea near its east coast early on Sunday morning.
South Korea and Japan reported the launch.
The missiles flew about 900 kilometers and are believed to have fallen into the sea.
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, has been visiting weapons factories and asking for more weapons to be made.
This is the first missile launch in two months.
South Korea's president is visiting China to discuss peace on the Korean peninsula.
The launch happened at a time when there are high tensions around the world, including after the U.S. captured a leader in another country.
North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles towards the East Sea on Sunday morning, marking its first weapons test of the year.
The missiles were launched from areas near Pyongyang at around 7:50 a.m. local time and flew about 900-950 km.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung was preparing to leave for Beijing for summit-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the time of the launch.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for more than doubling the production of tactical guided weapons during a visit to a munitions factory.
The launch came amid heightened global tensions, including after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
- Who
- North Korea
- What
- Fired multiple ballistic missiles
- When
- January 4, 2026, around 7:50 a.m. local time
- Where
- Sea off its east coast
- Why
- To signal opposition to perceived hostile actions by the U.S. and its allies, and to send a message to China and South Korea
- Country
- North Korea
- Target
- Sea off east coast
- Reporting Countries
- South Korea, Japan
- Leader
- Kim Jong Un
- Weapons Production
- Tactical guided weapons
- Last Missile Test
- November 7, 2025
- Time of Launch
- 7:50 a.m. local time on Sunday
- South Korean President
- Lee Jae Myung
- Missile Range
- 900-950 km
Sources
North Korea fires ballistic missile towards the sea off its east coast
North Korea fires ballistic missile towards the sea off its east coast
North Korea fires ballistic missiles towards the sea off its east coast
Japan on high alert as North Korea launches suspected ballistic missile
N. Korea Launches Ballistic Missiles Toward Sea Ahead of South Korean Leader's Visit to China
North Korea fires ballistic missiles as rival South’s leader visits China
North Korea's First Weapons Test Of 2026: Multiple Ballistic Missiles Fired Towards East Sea
Fresh North Korea missile test sets off emergency alert in Japan
South Korean President Lee arrives in Beijing for state visit, Chinese state media says
North Korea fires ballistic missiles into sea ahead of South Korean President’s China visit