Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro [AFP]
Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro [AFP]

Japan's Defense Ministry said Wednesday that North Korea fired at least one ballistic missile at around 6 a.m., and that it is believed to have landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro told reporters that the missile reached a maximum altitude of about 90 kilometers and flew approximately 690 kilometers before falling outside Japan's EEZ, according to NHK.

He added that no damage to aircraft or vessels had been confirmed.

"North Korea's continued series of actions, including repeated ballistic missile launches, threaten the peace and security of Japan and the international community, and constitute a grave matter concerning the safety of our people," Koizumi said.

He went on to say that Japan had lodged a stern protest and strongly condemned the launch through diplomatic channels in Beijing.

North Korea conducts a test launch of a tactical cruise missile in May. [EPA]
North Korea conducts a test launch of a tactical cruise missile in May. [EPA]

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi issued instructions immediately after the launch, directing officials to gather and analyze information, provide timely updates, and confirm the safety of aircraft and vessels.

The Japanese government convened an emergency response team of officials from relevant ministries at the crisis management center in the prime minister's residence to collect and verify information.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff also confirmed that North Korea fired one ballistic missile Wednesday at around 6 a.m. from the Wonsan area toward the Donghae.

The JCS estimated the missile traveled more than 700 kilometers and said it was analyzing the weapon's exact specifications.


mokiya@heraldcorp.com