Japan: "North Korea launches another object possibly a ballistic missile... Falls outside EEZ" (Summary)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] On the 2nd at 4:34 PM, Japan's Ministry of Defense reported that North Korea launched an additional object that is likely a ballistic missile, according to NHK and other broadcasters.

According to the report, Defense Vice Minister Ino Toshiro stated at a press conference that day, "North Korea launched at least one object likely to be a ballistic missile eastward near the eastern coast of North Korea around 4 PM." He added, "It is estimated to have flown a short distance at a very low altitude below 50 km and fell outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)."

Vice Minister Ino criticized North Korea for rapidly escalating provocations, saying, "We absolutely cannot tolerate threats to the peace and security of Japan and the international community."

NHK reported that Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio instructed to continue gathering and analyzing information related to North Korea's ballistic missile launches, provide the public with prompt and accurate information, thoroughly ensure the safety of aircraft and ships, and prepare fully for unpredictable situations.

The Japan Coast Guard stated that no damage to Japanese vessels has been confirmed.

Earlier that day, North Korea launched ballistic missiles south of the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the East Sea. According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles that day. This is the first time since the division of Korea that North Korea has fired ballistic missiles south of the East Sea NLL.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff also reported that from 4:30 PM to 5:10 PM, six additional launches presumed to be surface-to-air missiles were detected from the areas around Seondeok and Sinpo in North Korea toward the East Sea, and from the areas around Gwail and Oncheon toward the West Sea. Military authorities are analyzing the exact range, altitude, speed, and other specifications.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.