N. Korea Fires Ballistic Missile toward Sea of Japan

Seoul, Aug. 6 (Jiji Press)–North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan from Wonsan in the eastern province of Kangwon at around 5 p.m. Thursday, the South Korean military said. The missile is believed to have fallen outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, according to Japan’s Defense Ministry. Following the incident, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructed government staff to gather related information and swiftly inform the public. The South Korean military said that it is strengthening surveillance and remaining alert for possible additional launches, adding that the country is closely sharing missile information with Japan and the United States. North Korea has repeatedly conducted missile tests recently to demonstrate its military capabilities. The country appears to be stepping up efforts to keep Japan and South Korea in check. The latest launch was the first since the reported test firing of a tactical ballistic missile on June 25, if the report was true. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]