North Korea launches multiple ballistic missiles after Kim vowed to bolster war readiness

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea on Thursday, South Korea’s military said, days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to put his nuclear force fully ready for battle with its rivals.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected the missiles launched from North Korea's capital flying 360 kilometers (about 220 miles) before landing in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed officials to ensure the safety of ships and aircraft, but there were no immediate reports of damage.

The reported fight distances suggest the missiles were designed to attack targets in South Korea. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff condemned the launches as a provocation that poses a serious threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The launches were North Korea's first public weapons firing activities in more than two months. On July 1, North Korea claimed to have tested a new tactical weapon capable of delivering a “super-large” 4.5 ton-class warhead.

In a Monday speech marking his government's 76th foundation anniversary, Kim said he would redouble efforts to make his nuclear force fully ready for combat with the United States and its allies. Kim made such a pledge saying North Korea faces “a grave threat” because of what he called “the reckless expansion” of a U.S.-led regional military bloc.

Kim has made similar vows numerous times, but his latest threat came as outside experts believe North Korea could carry out a nuclear test explosion or long-range missile test-launches ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November to boost its leverage in future dealings with the U.S.

On Sunday, North Korea's state media published a photo of Kim inspecting a 12-axel vehicle that would be the the country's biggest missile launch platform. That sparked speculation that the North could be developing a more powerful intercontinental ballistic missile designed to strike the U.S. mainland.

Recent commercial satellite images indicate that North Korea’s northeastern nuclear test site incurred minor damage from heavy summer rains in recent weeks and that no notable recent work was detected at its tunnels, 38 North, a North Korea-focused website, said an analytical piece published Wednesday.

Thursday's launches also came after North Korea flew hundreds of huge balloons carrying rubbish toward South Korea for five straight days through Sunday.

Since 2022, North Korea has sharply ramped up its weapons testing activities in part of its efforts to perfect its capabilities to launch strikes on the U.S. and South Korea. The U.S. and South Korea have responded by expanding military drills that North Korea calls invasion rehearsals.

Last month, Kim had still held off from missile tests or other provocative military demonstrations as the United States and South Korea conducted large-scale summertime military exercises. North Korea has previously performed missiles tests to protest other major U.S.-South Korean military training.

Prior to the U.S.-South Korean exercises, Kim staged a big ceremony in Pyongyang to mark the delivery of 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers to frontline military units and called for a ceaseless expansion of his country's nuclear program. The Aug. 4 event added to concerns about Kim’s pushes to deploy battlefield nuclear weapons along the tense border with South Korea.

Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.

A TV screen shows a file image of North Korea's missile launch during a news program at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

A TV screen shows a file image of North Korea's missile launch during a news program at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korea says North Korea has fired a ballistic missile toward the sea

South Korea says North Korea has fired a ballistic missile toward the sea

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech, marking the country's 76th founding anniversary in Pyongyang, North Korea Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers had hoped that Bryce Young would put an end to their ever-churning quarterback carousel when they selected him No. 1 overall last year.

But two games into his second season, Young has been benched and the Panthers are back to another journeyman quarterback. The 36-year-old Andy Dalton will take over the offense on Sunday when the Panthers (0-2) visit the Las Vegas Raiders.

“I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Dalton said with a big smile. “When I came here, I wasn’t sure if I was going to get another opportunity to start again. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m excited about what’s ahead. It’s a tough situation. I’ve been on both sides of it and it’s hard for everybody. But for me, I’m looking forward to it.”

This may be Dalton's wish, but it wasn't the Panthers'.

They wanted — in fact, needed — Young to succeed after giving up four draft picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore to move up eight spots in the draft to get him. But Young is 2-16 as an NFL starter with more interceptions than touchdowns and the fan base has grown irritable and apathetic following the constant losing.

No team has a worse record (31-70) than the Panthers since 2018.

It's no coincidence Carolina's struggles began shortly after shoulder and ankle injuries caught up with franchise quarterback Cam Newton in 2016. The Panthers made the playoffs in 2017, but lost in the first round.

They haven't been back since.

And the quarterback issue has been an issue ever since.

The Panthers have tried a number of options along the way, including several reclamation projects.

They signed free-agent Teddy Bridgewater and traded for former top draft picks Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. Ten different quarterbacks have started for the Panthers since 2018, including Kyle Allen, Taylor Heinicke, Will Grier and P.J. Walker.

Dalton, now 36, started a game last year for Carolina as an injury replacement for Young.

The 14-year NFL veteran completed 34 of 58 pass attempts for 361 yards and two touchdowns, but the Panthers lost 37-27 at Seattle. Still, it was the best the offense looked all season.

Now Dalton gets another shot, this time in an offense under new head coach and play caller Dave Canales.

“I think the way we build things and the way we do things if you can get the ball out of your hands and make quick decisions and play with timing and accuracy and anticipation, all that kind of stuff," Dalton said. “There’s a lot of that in this offense.”

Canales said he benched the struggling Young because he felt Dalton “gives us the best chance to win" after Sunday's 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Frankly, the bar isn't all that high.

The Panthers have been outscored 73-13 this season, including 53-3 in the first half of two games. Dalton is clearly viewed as a stopgap until the Panthers figure out what to do next at the quarterback position.

“After I watched the film, I had a thought in mind. We talked and I had to make the decision that was best for the team,″ Canales said. “I certainly take it personal. This is about building a culture, this is about building a football team that plays to a certain style, and that’s my main focus."

He added, “And above all, it’s to help the Panthers to win. So that’s what the decision was about."

Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce didn’t know about the Panthers QB change on Monday until he was told by reporters.

“A veteran quarterback," Pierce said of Dalton. “We just had some meetings, but hmmm, I’ve got to go back to the drawing boards now.”

Dalton was all smiles on Monday.

“I think at this point in my career, I’m just thankful for an opportunity. I didn’t know if I was going to get it again. So, I’m fired up, I’m pumped to get a chance to do what I’ve done my whole career,” Dalton said. “I’ve been in this position before and I am able to have conversations and I think just the experience I’ve had in this league for a long time resonates with a lot of people, when I’m able to say certain things.”

AP Sports Writer Mark Anderson in Las Vegas contributed to this report.

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FILE - Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL football game, Sept. 24, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/ John Froschauer, File)