North Korea fires ‘ballistic’ missile, say Japan, South Korea

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – North Korea on Friday fired another ballistic missile, Japan and South Korea said.

“North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile,” the Japanese Prime Minister’s office said in a statement, urging caution and safety of defense assets.

South Korean military confirmed the firing of the missile, saying “an unidentified ballistic missile” was launched towards the East Sea.

It did not give more details.

Pyongyang has fired dozens of missiles and projectiles in recent months amid joint military exercises on the Korean Peninsula by South Korea and the US who have announced to increase the frequency of drills in the future.

The US also deployed its B-62 bomber and F-22 fighter jets in the military exercises with Seoul early this week, just two days after North Korea claimed to have conducted tests in preparation for the launch of a military reconnaissance satellite, possibly early next year.

The tests were held on Sunday, with Pyongyang firing two medium-range ballistic missiles from Tongchang-ri areas into the East Sea, according to South Korea.

Last week, Pyongyang said it had conducted a "successful test" of a high-thrust solid-fuel motor, describing it as a new "strategic weapon" and the country's first of its kind.