North Korea Launches Surprise Ballistic Missile Test Amid Rising Tensions

Breaking News: North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles, Says Seoul On October 22, 2025, at approximately 10:00 AM local time, North Korea test-fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles from an area south of the capital Pyongyang. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launch, stating that the missiles flew eastward towards the East Sea (also known as the Sea of Japan). Timeline and Details The missiles were launched around 350 kilometers northeast, with a maximum altitude of approximately 100 kilometers. According to the South Korean military, multiple missiles were detected, but no further details on their exact number or type are available. Immediate Impact and Response A meeting of South Korea's national security council has been convened in response to the launch. Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that none of the missiles had reached Japanese territorial waters, with no reported damage or casualties. Background Context This marks the first ballistic missile test by North Korea since May 2025. The move is likely to raise concerns about regional security and stability. What Happens Next The international community will closely monitor developments in the region. Diplomatic efforts may intensify as countries seek to address the implications of this latest escalation. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Dw reporting.*