N. Korea launches what could be a ballistic missile: Japan Defense Ministry

North Korea launched a projectile potentially classified as a ballistic missile on Wednesday, according to Japan's Defense Ministry. The projectile reportedly landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. The Japan Coast Guard has advised vessels to refrain from approaching any debris and instead report any sightings. South Korea's military reported that North Korea fired a projectile eastward on the same day, with the Joint Chiefs of Staff detecting the launch, as per Yonhap News Agency.

Earlier, on Thursday, North Korea fired at least one ballistic missile, with the Japanese Defense Ministry stating that no debris was believed to have fallen within Japan's exclusive economic zone. These suspected missile firings by North Korea occur as the United States and South Korea prepare for the "Ulchi Freedom Shield" joint military exercise later in the month.