North Korea Fires Two Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Three Hours Apart on September 20, Latest in Series of Tests Despite Trump Scaling Back Joint US-South Korea Drills

North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea on September 20, 2026 from the Wonsan area, about three hours apart, according to South Korea's military. The first missile flew approximately 450 kilometers while the second flew more than 600 kilometers, both toward the North's eastern waters. The launches came days after the North threatened to bolster its nuclear deterrent capabilities and respond to what it called US hostilities. South Korea's National Security Council condemned the tests and urged Pyongyang to immediately cease missile activity, warning the launches directly violated UN Security Council resolutions. Japan also lodged a protest through embassy channels in Beijing. The launches were the latest in a series of weapons demonstrations by North Korea even after US President Donald Trump scaled back a joint military exercise with South Korea last month in an apparent effort to revive diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un's sister and a senior official, earlier shrugged off Trump's overtures to her brother. On September 12, North Korea had launched a ballistic missile following the conclusion of the five-day US-South Korea-Japan Freedom Edge military drill, which North Korea views as a security threat. The North's defense minister had warned North Korea was capable of taking strong and reflective countermeasures from the standpoint of power. The US Pacific Command said the launches do not pose an immediate threat to US territory or allies but reaffirmed commitment to the defense of the US homeland and allies in the region.