North Korea: Pyongyang launches a ballistic missile toward Sea of Japan Sept. 13

Event

North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan (East Sea) the morning of Sept. 13; South Korean officials made the announcement at around 11:46 after the projectile had reportedly fallen. The trajectory and details of the projectile are not immediately clear. The incident caused no damage or casualties.

Context

The Sept. 13 missile launch follows North Korea's National Day observance Sept. 9. North Korea has conducted at least 14 other ballistic missile tests this year, with additional missile launches likely in the coming months.

Despite attempts at jumpstarting diplomacy, the geopolitical dynamics on the Korean Peninsula remain largely unaltered, as North Korea has previously stated that it will only give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for concrete moves to reduce perceived US threats against it. North Korean leaders have previously warned of stronger actions in response to US sanctions. However, both sides will likely avoid any actions that could escalate into a full-scale conflict.