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.
