North Korea Ballistic Missile Launch 2026: Tensions Peak Amid Drone Dispute
North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Jan 9, 2026, amid a heated drone dispute with the South and deepening ties with Putin's Russia.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are hitting a boiling point. According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the East Sea on January 9, 2026. This move follows Pyongyang's recent accusations of South Korean drone incursions, significantly amping up military uncertainty in Northeast Asia.
North Korea Ballistic Missile Launch 2026 and Escalating Threats
The launch comes just five days after North Korea claimed South Korean drones violated its airspace. On January 4, the North warned of severe countermeasures. The JCS is currently analyzing the flight distance and altitude, while maintaining a high state of readiness for potential follow-up provocations.
The Putin-Kim Alliance: A Permanent Pivot
Amid the military friction, Kim Jong-un is doubling down on his alliance with Russia. Yonhap News reports that Kim pledged 'permanent' support for Vladimir Putin's policies. It's not just about military hardware; it's a strategic move to solidify North Korea's position as a key partner in the global anti-Western front.
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