The Japanese government says a ballistic missile launched from North Korea flew over northern Japan and landed in the Pacific Ocean 2,200 kilometers east of Hokkaido on Friday morning.
Japanese officials say the missile was fired at around 6:57 AM from Sunan, a district near Pyongyang. The missile likely reached an altitude of 800 kilometers and flew 3,700 kilometers. The missile flew 800 kilometers further than last month’s launch.
Japan’s foreign minister says judging from its range, it is likely an intercontinental ballistic missile.
Meanwhile, the US military says it is an intermediate range ballistic missile.
The government’s top spokesperson says no debris has fallen in Japanese territory, adding that no aircraft or ship has been hit.
This comes just a day after North Korea threatened to sink Japan with nuclear weapons and reduce the US to ashes and darkness.
The South Korean military has just conducted a short-range ballistic missile firing drill in response.
The latest launch comes just under 2 weeks after Pyongyang conducted its 6th nuclear test.
In response, the United Nations Security Council issued fresh sanctions against the North this week. They include a cap on oil exports to the country, a ban on its textile exports, and a freeze on new work permits for its laborers abroad.
Source and image: NHK
Join the Conversation