North Korea launched what appeared to be a North Korea ballistic missile into waters off the Korean Peninsula’s east coast on Sunday, according to Japan’s Defence Ministry.
South Korea’s military also detected an unidentified projectile launched by North Korea.
Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported that the missile landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
The launch comes as tensions remain high between North Korea and its neighbours following recent military activity in the region.
North Korea Ballistic Missile Launch Detected
Japan’s Defence Ministry said it was monitoring the launch and assessing the details.
South Korea also confirmed that North Korea had fired an unidentified projectile. Authorities in both countries continued to examine the missile’s trajectory and other characteristics.
The projectile reportedly fell into waters outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
No immediate damage or casualties were reported.
Launch Comes After Nuclear Dispute
The latest North Korea ballistic missile launch came only a day after Pyongyang rejected a resolution from the UN nuclear watchdog.
The International Atomic Energy Agency had adopted a resolution criticising North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme and calling for an end to its nuclear activities.
North Korea rejected the resolution through state media and continued to defend its nuclear status.
The development adds another layer to tensions surrounding Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programmes.
North Korea Condemns US-Led Military Drills
North Korea has also criticised recent military exercises involving the United States, South Korea and Japan.
The naval exercise took place near Guam from August 29 to September 10.
Pyongyang has repeatedly argued that such drills threaten its security and justify its military buildup.
North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, criticised the exercises on Friday.
She blamed the US-led military activity for worsening tensions on the Korean Peninsula and said Pyongyang would continue strengthening its nuclear arsenal.
Japan and South Korea Monitor North Korea
The latest launch is likely to increase attention on North Korea’s weapons programme.
Japan and South Korea routinely monitor missile launches from Pyongyang because projectiles can travel across large distances and enter surrounding waters.
For Tokyo, launches near the Korean Peninsula also raise concerns about missile trajectories and regional security.
Meanwhile, Seoul remains directly exposed to North Korea’s military capabilities because of the two countries’ geographic proximity.
North Korea Maintains Its Nuclear Policy
North Korea has continued to develop both nuclear weapons and missile technology despite international pressure.
Pyongyang has rejected calls to abandon its nuclear programme and has repeatedly described its nuclear capabilities as essential to national security.
The government has also criticised international efforts aimed at denuclearisation.
As a result, missile launches continue to form a central part of the wider security dispute involving North Korea, South Korea, Japan and the United States.
Regional Tensions Remain High
The North Korea ballistic missile launch comes during a period of heightened military and diplomatic tensions.
Recent disputes over military exercises, nuclear policy and regional security have increased friction between Pyongyang and its neighbours.
Japan and South Korea are expected to continue monitoring North Korea closely for further launches or military activity.
For now, officials are assessing the latest projectile while the wider dispute over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes continues.
