- Japanese public television said the object appeared to have fallen outside of Japan’s economic exclusion zone.
North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan on Sunday, shortly after a US aircraft carrier arrived in the region for maneuvers, the South Korean military said.
“North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile,” the Seoul Joint Chiefs of Staff said, without providing further details. The launch comes amid reports that Pyongyang is preparing to launch a ballistic missile from a submarine.
The Japanese Coast Guard also confirmed the possible missile launch, citing information from the Tokyo Ministry of Defense, and asked ships in the area to remain vigilant. “Ships, please be attentive to new information and if you see foreign objects, please do not approach them and inform the Coast Guard,” the agency said.
Japanese public television said the object appeared to have fallen outside of Japan’s economic exclusion zone.
On September 23, the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and ships from its strike group docked in the southern port of Busan as part of an effort by Seoul to step up military cooperation with Washington. The USS Reagan will conduct joint exercises this month off South Korea’s east coast.
The United States and South Korea are historical allies and have carried out numerous joint military exercises, which they define as defensive, but Pyongyang considers them rehearsals for an invasion.