N. Korea fires suspected ballistic missile: Japan gov't

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- North Korea launched roughly a dozen short-range ballistic missiles eastward from an area near Pyongyang on Thursday, according to South Korea's military. Japan's Defense Ministry reported that multiple missiles traveled approximately 320 kilometers and achieved a maximum altitude of about 90 km. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who was in New Delhi at the time, informed reporters that Japan had lodged a strong protest with Pyongyang.

The missiles are presumed to have landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, and the Japanese government is collaborating with the United States and South Korea to examine the specifics. The launches occurred during a major joint military exercise between the United States and South Korea, which was reduced in duration at the request of U.S. President Donald Trump.

However, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stated in a declaration carried by North Korea's official media that shortening the exercise does not alter its aggressive nature. In response, Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi directed relevant government agencies to diligently gather and analyze information, provide the public with precise updates, and ensure the safety of aircraft and vessels.

This marked North Korea's third launch of ballistic missiles in the month, following launches on August 6 and August 12.