North Korea fires ballistic missile toward East Sea of Japan, says S. Korea

Following its continued refusal to respond to what were once daily cross-border communications, North Korea launched an unspecified ballistic missile into Japan’s East Sea on Thursday, according to Yonhap News Agency, citing the South Korean military.

The launch was discovered by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. However, because the investigation is ongoing, they did not go into further detail. Tensions rose on Tuesday after North Korean state media claimed that leader Kim Jong-un had called for more “practical and offensive” military deterrence, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Furthermore, the Japanese government stated that the North Korean missile could be aimed at Japan, as Pyongyang launched an unspecified missile into the East Sea amid rising tensions with Seoul and Washington.

According to NHK World, Japan has issued a warning that a North Korean missile may have landed in Hokkaido Prefecture or nearby waters.
It is advising residents of the prefecture and surrounding areas to seek safety as soon as possible.