Seoul. North Korea on Wednesday fired a suspected ballistic missile from its east coast towards the Sea of Japan. Japan's Defense Ministry gave this information. According to the ministry, the suspected missile fell into the sea. This incident has happened at a time when North Korea has tested such a weapon for the second time in less than a week.
South Korea's news agency Yonhap quoted the army there as saying that North Korea launched an unidentified projectile from its east coast. The South Korean Army has given information about this launch at a time when there is tension regarding military activities in the region.
Test ahead of US-South Korea military exercise
North Korea's launch came two days after South Korea and the United States announced the start of annual large-scale military exercises next week. Both countries say that the purpose of this exercise is to strengthen their military preparedness to deal with potential threats related to North Korea.
North Korea's reaction to this military exercise named 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' is also being monitored. Pyongyang has long opposed joint military exercises between the US and South Korea. North Korea views such exercises as preparation for possible military action against it.
Weapons testing in response to military exercises
North Korea has previously conducted weapons tests during or near major South Korean and US military exercises. On such occasions, strong statements have also been coming out from Pyongyang. For this reason, this latest missile launch is also being seen in the context of the ongoing military activities in the area.
However, there was no immediate official confirmation from North Korea regarding this launch on Wednesday. North Korea usually releases information about a weapons test a day after it.
Missile was fired last week also
Earlier last week, South Korea, America and Japan had detected a short-range ballistic missile fired by North Korea. It was North Korea's first ballistic weapons test activity since late June.
North Korea did not officially confirm the launch at the time. Now in less than a week, a new launch of a suspected ballistic missile has come to light. According to Japan's Defense Ministry, the suspected missile fired on Wednesday fell into the sea. This development is important for countries keeping an eye on regional security because after this the annual 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' military exercise of America and South Korea is about to start.