South Korea’s military and United States authorities reported that North Korea fired two mid-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday.
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency stated that one of the missiles is believed to have landed in the Sea of Japan and the other exploded soon after it launched. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were launched from a region in South Hwanghae province at 7:50 AM local time. Seoul reported that it is the first time a North Korean missile landed in Japan’s exclusive esconomic zone (EEZ). According to Yonhap, this reveals that North Korea is testing the range of its Rodong missiles.
Julia Mason, a U.S. State Department spokesman, spoke out against the launch, saying it will “only increase the international community’s resolve to counter” North Korea’s actions. This launch is the most recent violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the missile “a grave threat to our country’s security,” adding that launching it was “an unforgivable, reckless act,” according to Kyodo news agency. Japan has also stated its self-defense force will be on high alert in case of future launches.