(2nd LD) N. Korea fires short-range ballistic missile toward East Sea: military

North Korea launched at least one projectile toward the East Sea, also referred to as the Sea of Japan, on August 6. South Korea’s military initially reported the event as an unidentified projectile, while Japanese authorities identified the launch as a possible ballistic missile. Yonhap later specified the projectile as a short-range ballistic missile.

The launch occurred one day after Pyongyang issued a statement criticizing Japan’s recent military expansion, accusing the country of transforming into a "war state." The incident follows ongoing regional tensions regarding North Korea's missile development programs.