EAST ASIA — Japan’s Ministry of Defense and Cabinet Secretariat assessed that North Korea launched at least two ballistic missiles from inland areas on October 12, with one flying more than 560 miles (910 km) and both estimated to have fallen near North Korea’s east coast or in the Sea of Japan outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
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The launches occurred around 9:19 AM and 9:36 AM Japan Standard Time (12:19 AM and 12:36 AM UTC). The first reached a maximum altitude of about 12 miles (20 km) and flew about 137 miles (220 km).
The second reached about 43 miles (70 km) and flew more than 565 miles (910 km), with Japanese authorities noting the possibility of an irregular trajectory and stating that details remain under joint analysis with the United States and South Korea.
No entry into Japanese territory or the exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 nautical miles from Japan’s shores, has been confirmed. Japan’s government informed aircraft and vessels in the area and stated that no damage reports had been received as of the notice.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff detected multiple ballistic missiles launched from the Pyongyang area around 9:20 AM local time toward the East Sea, also called the Sea of Japan, with at least one type assessed to have flown more than 559 miles (900 km).
The Joint Chiefs stated that South Korean and U.S. authorities are analyzing exact specifications and that surveillance has been strengthened.
Japan’s Prime Minister directed full efforts on information gathering and analysis with prompt accurate public information, thorough safety confirmation for aircraft and vessels, and preparation for unforeseen situations.
The Defense Minister issued parallel instructions for close coordination with the United States and South Korea and continued vigilance.
Japan stated that the launches, including prior repeated ballistic missile activity, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community, violate relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and constitute a serious issue for the safety of the people. Japan lodged a strong protest and strongly condemned North Korea.
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