Tensions Rise as North Korea Fires Missiles into Sea During US-South Korea Drills

North Korea fired more than 10 ballistic missiles into the sea on Saturday, March 14, 2026, South Korea's military described, the move that comes amid ongoing joint military exercises by the United States and South Korea.

The development also comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has been signalling his willingness to restart dialogue with Pyongyang.

Japan’s Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the development in a post on X, stating, “North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile, with more updates to follow.

The PM’s Office said that authorities have been instructed to make every effort to collect and analyse information quickly and to inform the public. Officials were also directed to ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, and other assets while remaining prepared for any possible contingencies.

According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missiles were launched from an area near the capital, Pyongyang, at around 1:20 p.m. (0430 GMT) towards waters off the country’s east coast.

The launch comes just days after South Korea and the United States began large-scale joint military drills.

The exercises, which started earlier this week, are aimed at strengthening the allies’ preparedness against potential military threats from North Korea.

As part of the exercises, hundreds of U.S. and South Korean troops conducted river-crossing drills on Saturday using tanks and armoured combat vehicles. The operation was overseen by the commander of their combined forces.

North Korea has frequently criticised such military exercises, describing them as “dress rehearsals” for an invasion by the allied forces.

On Thursday, South Korea’s Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss possible ways to revive dialogue with Pyongyang. Speaking to reporters, Kim said Trump remains keen on any opportunity to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
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