Tokyo warns of danger as North Korea launches 10 missiles into Sea of Japan
North Korea fires ballistic missiles toward Japan again (facebook.com)
North Korea fired ten ballistic missiles from its western coast toward the Sea of Japan, prompting strong protests from Japan and the mobilization of regional deterrence forces, according to Japan's Ministry of Defense.
Preliminary reports indicate the missiles were launched around 1:24 PM local time. Military estimates indicate the projectiles reached a maximum altitude of roughly 80 km and traveled about 340 km.
The missiles fell into the Sea of Japan, outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, near the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula. There are currently no reports of damage to ships or aircraft in the area.
The Japanese government immediately convened an emergency response team at the Crisis Management Center. The prime minister instructed authorities to urgently gather information and ensure safe navigation.
"This series of North Korean actions threatens the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community. These launches violate relevant UN Security Council resolutions," the Ministry of Defense said.
Tokyo has lodged a formal protest with Pyongyang. Japan is now working closely with the US and South Korea to analyze the missile types and the purpose of the launches.
Japan's defense minister stressed that the Self-Defense Forces remain at full readiness to respond to any unforeseen developments. Authorities have pledged to keep the public informed of any new threat data.
Previous reports indicate that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un plans to expand the country's nuclear capabilities over the next five years, while leaving open the possibility of improved relations with Washington under certain conditions.
Recently, North Korea conducted long-range strategic cruise missile launches. Earlier, Kim inspected the production of tactical guided weapons at an ammunition plant and ordered a 2.5-fold increase in production capacity.
In addition, North Korea is also building its first nuclear-powered submarine, which will be equipped with strategic guided missiles.
