N. Korea launches another ballistic missile, just weeks after it tested ICBM

The launch comes weeks after Pyongyang tested an intercontinental rocket capable of hitting parts of the United States

Washington, July 28: North Korea launched a ballistic missile on Friday, the Pentagon said, just weeks after Pyongyang tested an intercontinental rocket capable of hitting parts of the United States.

South Korea’s military and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also confirmed the launch. In Seoul and Tokyo, the governments convened meetings of their national security councils.

Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said, “I can confirm that we detected a launch of a ballistic missile from North Korea.”

“We are assessing and will have more information

soon.”

South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, citing the country’s military joint chiefs of staff, said the missile was launched from North Korea’s Jagang province, and landed in the East Sea (Sea of Japan).

“There is a possibility that it landed within our EEZ (exclusive economic zone). We will be analysing it immediately and do our best for the safety of our people,” Mr Abe told reporters in Tokyo.

The US military and South Korea had in recent days warned that North Korea appeared to be prepping for another missile test — likely of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), or else an intermediaterange rocket.

Pyongyang triggered global alarm on July 4 when it test-fired its first ICBM, which experts believe could have the potential to reach Alaska. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who personally oversaw that launch on America’s Independence Day, described it as a gift to the Americans.