North Korea launched a ballistic missile toward the sea on August 12, 2026, just days before the scheduled commencement of major joint military exercises between the US and South Korea.
The missile flew for several minutes before landing in international waters, marking the second such provocation by Pyongyang in the past week.
Regional security analysts warn that the launch is a direct response to the upcoming drills, heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula as Seoul and Washington prepare their defense posture.