North Korea launched a ballistic missile from the Pyongyang area and flew for about 74 minutes before landing in the water outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
This launch occurs amidst escalating tensions between North Korea and the United States, specifically regarding US surveillance flights in the area. North Korea has accused the United States of violating its airspace and has issued threats to shoot down any US aircraft that enter its territory.
Despite the United Nations Security Council's prohibition on North Korea's development of ballistic missile technology, the nation has consistently disregarded these restrictions. Consequently, this latest missile launch is expected to further strain North Korea's relations with the international community.
Below are additional details regarding the launch:
- The missile was launched at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time (01:00 GMT).
- It maintained flight for approximately 74 minutes and reached an altitude of 6,000 kilometers (3,728 miles).
- The missile made contact with the East Sea, approximately 550 kilometers (342 miles) east of the Korean peninsula.
- South Korea, Japan, and the United States have all condemned the launch.
- North Korea has yet to comment on the launch.
This launch holds significance due to the ongoing exchange of inflammatory accusations between North Korea and the United States regarding US surveillance flights in the region.
North Korea has accused the United States of violating its airspace and has threatened to shoot down any US planes that encroach upon its territory. In response, the United States has refuted these claims, asserting that its surveillance flights are both lawful and necessary for monitoring North Korea's activities.
Given North Korea's repeated defiance of the United Nations Security Council's ban on ballistic missile technology, this latest launch will likely result in further sanctions against the nation. Additionally, it heightens the risk of a potential military conflict between North Korea and the United States.