The Japanese Ministry of Defense has reported that the ballistic missile launched by North Korea on Monday likely fell outside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
According to NHK, the ministry detected an object believed to be a medium-range ballistic missile launched toward the Sea of Japan. The missile is thought to have landed beyond the EEZ.
Defense officials stated they are heightening their alert status in anticipation of potential additional launches and maintaining close coordination with the United States to ensure a strong response capability.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, told reporters, “We are assessing any potential damage.”
The Japanese government has activated a crisis management center at the Prime Minister’s Office and assembled an emergency response team.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba issued three directives to prioritize information gathering and analysis to provide timely and accurate updates to the public, ensure the safety of air and maritime traffic, and maintain maximum readiness for any unexpected developments.
According to the Nikkei, this is North Korea’s first suspected ballistic missile launch since November 5 last year.
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