North Korea launched ballistic missile towards Sea of Japan
Photo: North Korea launched a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan (Getty Images)
North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan. It landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Currently, military analysts are assessing the missile's range, altitude, and flight speed.
Simultaneously, this marks the first "ballistic" provocation from North Korea this year. The last tests conducted by North Korea were on December 17 and 18, 2023.
As noted by NHK WORLD-JAPAN, the projectile landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
It's worth explaining that the exclusive economic zone encompasses the sea territory and continental shelf adjacent to the coastal country's territorial waters. The maximum width of the zone is up to 200 nautical miles (370 km), within which the country has the right to explore, exploit, and manage natural resources.
Military activities of North Korea
North Korea consistently asserts its "undisputed status as a nuclear state" and regularly conducts ballistic missile launches towards the East and Yellow Seas.
On January 5, North Korea fired approximately 200 artillery shells near two South Korean islands on the western border - Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong, leading to the evacuation of island residents. Another 60 shells were launched the following day.
Meanwhile, the U.S. and South Korea are working on a comprehensive nuclear defense strategy aimed at establishing an integrated deterrence system against North Korea's nuclear weapons by the middle of next year.
