North Korea test-fired a projectile toward the Sea of Japan early Sunday, the South Korean military said.
The object, launched about 7:55 a.m. local time (22:55 UTC Saturday) from North Pyongan province, flew east toward the Sea of Japan, South Korea’s military said. It said the object fell into the sea off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula.
The South’s Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff issued a short statement. It did not provide further details. The Yonhap news agency also reported a missile launch by North Korea.
It is the first missile launch by North Korea since U.S. President Donald Trump took office 22 days ago.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in his New Year speech last month that the North was in the “final stage” of preparations to test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
During a visit to the region earlier this month, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis strongly reassured Japan and South Korea of the United States’ commitment to the region, and emphasized continued support for U.S. alliances.
Mattis warned North Korea that any attack would be met with overwhelming force.
VOA’s Brian Padden in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.
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