North Korea fires 2 ballistic missiles toward Sea of Japan
Photo: North Korean rocket launch (Getty Images)
On October 12, North Korea launched at least two ballistic missiles from inland areas of the country in a northeasterly and easterly direction. According to Tokyo's assessment, they fell off the eastern coast of North Korea and into the Sea of Japan, according to the Japanese Ministry of Defense.
According to the Japanese ministry, the launches took place at 9 a.m. local time. There are currently no reports of the missiles striking Japanese territory or its exclusive economic zone.
The first missile was launched around 9:19 a.m. It reached a maximum altitude of approximately 20 km and traveled about 220 km. The second missile was launched around 9:36 a.m. Its maximum altitude was approximately 70 km, and its flight range exceeded 910 km.
Regarding the second missile, Japan, together with the United States and South Korea, is analyzing the details, including the possibility of a flight along a variable trajectory. Authorities relayed the information to nearby aircraft and vessels. There are currently no reports of damage.
Japanese authorities' reaction
The Prime Minister was immediately briefed on the launches. He instructed officials to make every effort to gather and analyze information and to keep the public informed quickly and accurately. He also ordered a thorough check of the safety of aircraft, ships, and other vessels, and to prepare for any unforeseen developments.
A task force on the situation involving North Korea was activated at the Government Crisis Management Center, where data is being collected from relevant agencies. An emergency response team was also convened to discuss next steps.
Tokyo stated that the DPRK's series of actions, particularly its repeated ballistic missile launches, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community. Such launches violate relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Read also: North Korea fires ballistic missile over 435 miles: What we know
North Korea has already launched missiles this fall. Specifically, on September 20, Pyongyang conducted two short-range missile launches from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea. According to Japan's Ministry of Defense, the first missile traveled 440 km at an altitude of 60 km, and the second traveled 590 km at an altitude of 70 km.
Both missiles landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. Analysts at Jane's speculated that the missiles were variants of the KN-23 family, but neither Japan nor South Korea has officially identified the type of missile.
