North Korea has reportedly tested a ballistic missile. Matsuno Hirokazu, Chief Secretary of the Cabinet of Japan, stated at a press conference that the missile traveled 800 kilometers for 30 minutes in the direction of North Korea’s Sea of Japan at an altitude of 2,000 kilometers.
THIS YEAR 7TH MISSILE TRIAL
Noting that this is the 7th missile tested by North Korea this year, Matsuno said the missile, which they thought was “mid-range or long-range,” fell outside of Japan’s national exclusive economic zone.
Matsuno said, “Ballistic missiles and previous ones are a threat to our country and our region,” and that the protest notes regarding the test were conveyed to the Pyongyang administration.
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, who stated that possible damage assessment studies on ships and aircraft in the region are continuing, announced that the National Security Council will convene on the trial.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed in a statement that the missiles were launched from North Korea’s Jagang region in the direction of the Sea of Japan at 07:52 local time.
EXPLANATION FROM USA
The US Indo-Pacific Forces (INDOPACOM), on the other hand, made a statement regarding the test, condemning North Korea and urging them to avoid “destabilizing activities”.
“Although we consider that this case does not pose a direct threat to US personnel, the region and its allies, we will continue to monitor the situation,” the statement said.
Making a speech at the National Security Council he convened, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said they condemned the “experiment that jeopardizes the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula”.
(AA)