The South Korean Ministry of Defense noted the launch of „one unidentified missile, “ which Japanese officials say flew for about 45 minutes before landing in water. The Pentagon confirmed the launch.
North Korea has launched „one unidentified missile“ from its northern Jagang province, the South Korean Defense Ministry announced in a statement. The Pentagon confirmed to NPR that it has also identified a missile launch from the North.
Citing the Japanese chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, The Associated Press reports the missile „flew for about 45 minutes and appeared to have landed in the waters of Japan’s exclusive economic zone.“
There have been no immediate reports of damage.
The missile launch follows a string of tests by the North Korean regime this year, the most recent of which came earlier this month. That test marked a milestone for Pyongyang: a successful intercontinental missile launch.
„Testing an ICBM [intercontinental ballistic missile] represents a new escalation of the threat to the United States, our allies and partners, the region and the world, “ Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement at the time. „Global action is required to stop a global threat.“
It also comes less than two weeks after the South Korean government made a rare diplomatic overture to Pyongyang, seeking new military talks with Kim Jong Un’s regime. That offer was never accepted.
