March 14, 2026
SUNTV Global Channel | International News
North Korea fired more than 10 ballistic missiles into the sea on Saturday, according to South Korea’s military, in what analysts interpret as a direct response to ongoing joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea.
The launches reportedly originated from areas near Pyongyang around 1:20 p.m. local time (0430 GMT) and were aimed toward the east coast. Japan’s coast guard detected at least one suspected missile falling into the sea, though public broadcaster NHK noted it likely landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
The missile tests coincide with annual US-South Korea military exercises, which the allies describe as defensive drills to test readiness against potential North Korean threats. On Saturday, hundreds of troops conducted river-crossing exercises with tanks and armoured combat vehicles under the supervision of the combined forces commander.
North Korea has conducted missile tests for more than two decades as part of its drive to develop nuclear-capable delivery systems, despite multiple UN Security Council sanctions since 2006. Pyongyang regularly expresses outrage at the exercises, calling them “dress rehearsals” for invasion.
Simultaneously, diplomatic engagement continues. South Korea’s Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday to discuss reopening dialogue with North Korea. Kim highlighted Trump’s willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, demonstrating the dual strategy Pyongyang employs: projecting military strength while keeping channels open for negotiations.
Earlier reports also indicated that North Korea had launched a suspected missile toward Japan, with authorities continuing to monitor developments closely.
The launches underscore the delicate regional balance, as the US and its allies aim to maintain deterrence while pursuing diplomatic solutions.
— SUNTV Global Channel
