North Korea Fires Second Ballistic Missile in Less Than a Week, 11th Test of 2026

North Korea launched a suspected short-range ballistic missile from the Wonsan area on its east coast around 6:00 a.m. KST on August 12, 2026, the second weapons test in less than a week following the August 6 launch. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the launch and said it flew more than 700 kilometers (435 miles) toward the East Sea before falling, without immediately disclosing the missile's type or flight angle — a departure from its usual practice. Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed at least one ballistic missile was launched and warned maritime traffic to watch for debris. South Korea's National Security Office urged Pyongyang to 'stop such provocations that are in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.' By South Korea's count it was North Korea's 11th suspected ballistic missile launch of 2026, coming two days after the US and South Korea announced the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise would begin August 17.