UPDATE – North Korean missile ‘appears to have flown over Japan’: Government

ADDS FRESH STATEMENT FROM JAPAN, CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE

By Handan Kazanci

ISTANBUL (AA) – North Korea fired a ballistic missile that “appears to have flown over Japan,” local media reported Tuesday, citing the Japanese government, which would mark the first time in five years for such a trajectory.

“The Defense Ministry said what appears to be a ballistic missile has already fallen,” Kyodo News Agency reported.

Earlier, Japan said North Korea launched “what appears to be a ballistic missile” which could be heading toward the country, warning people to seek shelter.

The Japanese government said the missile “could fly in the direction of Aomori and Hokkaido prefectures in northern Japan,” reported public broadcaster NHK.

“The government is urging people in those areas to take shelter immediately,” it added.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida “strongly condemns the act and ordered his administration to collect information and cooperate with allies,” NHK reported.

Kishida “called the repeated launches of North Korea's ballistic missiles outrageous.”

Kyodo also reported citing the South Korean military that Pyongyang fired a missile eastward.

“The latest missile launch is the fifth of its kind in 10 days,” it added.

Last Saturday, North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea, making it the fourth such “provocation” in less than a week, South Korea's military said.

North Korea's escalation of tensions is thought to be in response to South Korea's Armed Forces Day being marked today, as well as to a military drill by the South, the US and Japan in the East Sea.

Last Thursday, US Vice President Kamala Harris said the US will do "everything" in its power to ensure its security commitment to its Asian ally during a daylong visit to South Korea.