North Korea Launches Two Short‑Range Ballistic Missiles Amid US‑South Korea Drills

North Korea fired two short‑range ballistic missiles off its eastern coast on Sunday, the second set of tests in about a week. The launches followed Pyongyang’s accusation that U. S. military drills are heightening tensions on the Korean peninsula. South Korea’s defence ministry reported the first missile was launched toward the East Sea in the afternoon, and a second, similar missile was fired roughly three hours later. Confirmation that the second launch was ballistic is pending. The tests come as the U. S. and South Korea continue joint exercises that North Korea views as provocative. The timing suggests the regime is using missile demonstrations to counter perceived U. S. pressure and to signal its continued commitment to developing its ballistic capabilities.