The Japanese government has strongly protested after North Korea launched two ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan. Japan’s Defence Ministry reported that one missile reached an altitude of about 80 kilometers and traveled approximately 350 kilometers. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launch, spotting the missiles originating from northern Pyongyang around 3:50 pm local time.
Japan criticized North Korea for the missile launch, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructing officials to gather information and ensure the safety of vessels and aircraft. The US Forces Korea reaffirmed the US commitment to defending its homeland and allies in the region, stating that the event did not pose an immediate threat to US personnel or territory.
In a previous incident, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the launch of long-range strategic cruise missiles, emphasizing the continuous development of state nuclear forces. The missile tests, which occurred in the Yellow Sea, aimed to demonstrate the North’s strategic counterattack capability, as reported by Yonhap News Agency citing Korean Central News Agency.
