WORLD · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Off East Coast
WHY IT MATTERS
The launch heightens tensions in the region and underscores North Korea's continued development of its nuclear capabilities, despite international condemnation and diplomatic efforts to address the issue.
What happened
North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the sea east of the Korean Peninsula on Sunday, according to Japan's defence ministry. The launch occurred a day after North Korea dismissed a UN nuclear watchdog resolution against its nuclear programme.
The move follows a US-led naval drill involving South Korea and Japan near Guam, which North Korea condemned last week. North Korea's influential leader Kim Yo Jong blamed US-led military drills for 'ever-worsening' tensions on the peninsula and vowed to strengthen its nuclear arsenal.
The projectile landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK. South Korea's defence ministry described the launch as an unidentified projectile.
PRIMARY SOURCES
North Korea fires ballistic missile off east coast, Japan says
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