South Korea says North Korea fired short-range ballistic missile into sea

North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile toward the sea on Thursday, South Korea’s military said, prompting heightened surveillance and coordination with the U.S. and Japan. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the launch from the Wonsan area around 5 p.m. (0900 GMT). Japan reported no impact in or near its territory. The test is the latest in a series of weapons launches this year. Since nuclear diplomacy with the U.S. collapsed in 2019, Kim Jong Un has expanded his arsenal, seeking sanctions relief. Recently, he has emphasized naval weapons and deepened ties with Russia, including supplying troops for Ukraine.