Azernews.Az

By Alimat Aliyeva

North Korea has carried out a launch believed to involve a ballistic missile, according to reports from regional authorities, AzerNEWS reports.

“The DPRK conducted a launch, which is believed to be a ballistic missile. We will provide further updates as more information becomes available. The Japan Coast Guard has advised ships to continue monitoring official announcements and avoid approaching any possible debris,” the statement said.

Officials said the missile is believed to have fallen outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), a maritime area extending up to 200 nautical miles from a country’s coastline where it has rights over natural resources.

Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructed government agencies to collect and analyze all available information, confirm the safety of aircraft, ships, and other forms of transportation, and prepare for any possible emergency situations.

The launch comes shortly after Kim Yo-jong, a senior official of North Korea’s Workers’ Party and the sister of leader Kim Jong-un, warned that Pyongyang would not allow Japan to continue expanding its military capabilities if they were considered a threat to North Korea’s security. She said the country would respond with additional military measures if necessary.

The latest missile test adds to ongoing tensions in East Asia, where North Korea’s weapons programmes and military activities have repeatedly raised concerns among neighboring countries and the international community. Japan, South Korea, and the United States continue to closely monitor developments in the region.