Japan: North Korea fired a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile Friday, Seoul’s military said, its second launch in two days, which Japan said had splashed down in its exclusive economic zone.
Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said it had “detected a presumed long-range ballistic missile around 10:15 (0115 GMT) fired from the Sunan area in Pyongyang towards the East Sea,” referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.
South Korea’s National Security Council met Friday to discuss the presumed ICBM launch, the presidential office said.
Tokyo also confirmed the launch, with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida saying it was believed to have fallen in waters within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the northern region of Hokkaido.
The JCS did not specify the details regarding the ballistic missile. The preliminary analysis conducted by the military has hinted that it is an intercontinental ballistic missile, Yonhap news agency reported citing a source who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The development comes after North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui said that Pyongyang will take “fiercer” military actions if the United States bolsters its “extended deterrence” commitment to regional allies.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has directed officials to ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels and other assets. He has said that officials must take all measures for precautions. He has ordered the officials to collect and analyze information and provide adequate information.
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