North Korea launched what appeared to be a ballistic missile Thursday, Japan’s Defence Ministry said, in the latest weapons test by Pyongyang amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
The suspected missile was launched at about 5 p.m.. local time, Japanese defence authorities said. The Japan Coast Guard issued an alert after the launch, but officials did not immediately provide details on the missile’s flight path or where it landed.
South Korea also detected an unidentified projectile launched from North Korea’s east coast, Yonhap News Agency reported. The South Korean military said it was analysing the launch and continuing to monitor developments.
The launch came as the United States and South Korea conduct their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises. North Korea has repeatedly condemned the drills as provocative. It has warned that it would strengthen its nuclear deterrent in response to what it describes as increasing military pressure from the allies.
Thursday’s launch follows several suspected ballistic missile tests by North Korea this month. The repeated launches are likely to draw further scrutiny from Seoul, Tokyo and Washington as the three allies assess Pyongyang’s weapons capabilities and intentions.
North Korea has continued to expand its missile and nuclear programmes despite international sanctions and pressure. Raising concerns over its ability to develop weapons capable of threatening South Korea, Japan and potentially more distant targets.
