North Korea launched a barrage of roughly 10 short-range ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan on Thursday, prompting a measured response from the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) as tensions between Pyongyang and Seoul continue to simmer.
South Korea’s military said the missiles were fired from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s eastern coast at approximately 12:30 PM local time, traveling roughly 155 miles before splashing down in the sea.
PACOM issued a statement addressing the launches, writing: “We are aware of the missile launches and are consulting closely with our allies and partners.”
“Based on current assessments, this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies. The United States remains committed to the defense of the U.S. homeland and our allies in the region.”
In a separate posted statement dated October 29, 2026 (KST), PACOM referred to “two ballistic missiles” launched by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, using the same language about consulting with allies and the absence of an immediate threat.
Thursday’s launch marked North Korea’s first ballistic missile test since October 12, when the regime fired multiple missiles, some of which traveled more than 550 miles.
The U.S. military has not announced any change in posture in the region as a result of the latest launches.
