World · Singapore Bureau
North Korea launches ballistic missile off east coast
Pyongyang has conducted a ballistic missile test off its eastern seaboard, according to Japanese authorities. The launch follows North Korea's recent criticism of a multinational naval exercise involving the United States, South Korea and Japan.
LSN Singapore ·
Japan's defence ministry confirmed the missile launch on Tuesday, marking the latest in a series of weapons tests by North Korea. The projectile was fired from the country's east coast into waters off the Korean peninsula.
The timing of the launch comes days after Pyongyang issued strong condemnations of a joint naval drill conducted by the United States, South Korea and Japan in the region. North Korea has repeatedly protested such exercises, characterising them as provocative military manoeuvres directed against its sovereignty.
The test underscores escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula and highlights the continuing military posturing among regional powers. North Korea has accelerated its weapons development programme over recent years, conducting multiple ballistic and cruise missile tests despite international sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
Japanese officials said they are monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with allied nations, particularly the United States and South Korea, to assess the implications of the launch.