Seoul: South Korea says North Korea has launched a ballistic missile. South Korean military officials say North Korea fired a ballistic missile from the east coast. North Korea’s provocative move comes shortly after a US aircraft carrier arrived to participate in joint exercises with South Korea. Moreover, North Korea fired a ballistic missile when US Vice President Kamala Harris was about to visit Seoul.
South Korea responded that North Korea’s missile launch was a serious and provocative act. The UN has banned North Korea from all ballistic and nuclear weapons tests. However, North Korea has repeatedly conducted missile tests in defiance of restrictions. The South Korean military has stated that the ballistic missile launched by North Korea traveled about 600 km at an altitude of 60 km. South Korea has responded that its military is fully prepared and that the US is helping to strengthen surveillance and vigilance.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Coast Guard also confirmed the ballistic launch. Japan’s military has issued a warning to ships in the sea. Last June, North Korea conducted missile tests after Seoul and Washington completed their first joint drills involving a US aircraft carrier.