North Korea launches a suspected ballistic missile, Japan’s says

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile toward the sea on Wednesday, according to Japan's Defense Ministry, marking the second such weapons launch in less than a week. The missile reportedly landed in the waters, as reported by Yonhap news agency based on information from South Korea's military.

The reported launch occurred two days after South Korea and the United States announced the start of their annual large-scale military drills, Ulchi Freedom Shield, set to begin next week. The drills are anticipated to provoke a strong reaction from North Korea, which typically views such training as a rehearsal for an invasion.

North Korea has a history of responding to major South Korean-U.S. military exercises with provocative weapons tests and harsh rhetoric. Last week, all three nations detected a short-range ballistic missile launch from North Korea, the country's first ballistic weapons test activity since late June, though the North has not officially confirmed this reported launch.