South Korea’s military has confirmed that North Korea fired at least one ballistic missile toward its eastern waters on Friday. The Joint Chiefs of Staff did not immediately provide further details about the launch, including the missile’s type or flight range.
Japan Confirms Missile Fell Outside Its Economic Zone
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the missile is believed to have landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. She added that no damage or casualties have been reported following the launch, though authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Amid Rising Nuclear Concerns
The launch comes amid growing tension in the region, just a day after South Korean intelligence officials claimed that North Korea is fully prepared to conduct its seventh nuclear test. According to Yonhap News, the test could be executed swiftly if leader Kim Jong-un decides to proceed.
Intelligence Briefing Raises Alarms
During a closed-door session of South Korea’s Parliamentary Intelligence Committee, Defence Intelligence Agency officials informed lawmakers that preparations at the Punggye-ri nuclear site’s No. 3 tunnel appear complete. Lawmakers Park Sun-won and Lee Seong-kweun confirmed that the test could occur “in a short time” once authorized by Kim.
Pattern of Provocations Continues
The latest missile launch follows multiple short-range missile firings by Pyongyang last month, marking another escalation in regional security tensions. Both Seoul and Tokyo have condemned the move and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining vigilance alongside the United States.
