North Korea fires unidentified projectile into East Sea

On Sunday, North Korea launched an unidentified projectile from its east coast, according to South Korea's military. This follows a series of short-range ballistic missile launches towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, which occurred eight days prior. These missile tests were part of what North Korea later referred to as a joint firepower drill.

The launch also came after North Korea rejected a resolution from the UN nuclear watchdog demanding that it halt its nuclear activities. The US and Japan confirmed the launch, with Japan's defense ministry stating that the projectile had already fallen. North Korea accused external forces of trying to undermine the country's nuclear program during the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) General Conference.

The country has officially recognized its nuclear weapons status, with its leaders declaring the atomic arsenal permanent and irreversible. Estimates of North Korea's nuclear arsenal vary, with the US suggesting 57 powerful weapons and South Korea putting the number between 80 and 120.