North Korea launches ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan

North Korea launched various types of ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Monday, according to the South Korean military. Some of the missiles traveled distances exceeding 900 kilometers.

Japan reported that two of the missiles likely landed outside its exclusive economic zone. Japanese Defense Vice-Minister Takashi Koyari stated that the government is analyzing the details, including whether the missiles followed irregular trajectories. One missile reportedly reached a maximum altitude of 70 km and traveled over 910 km.

South Korean military officials indicated the launches occurred near Pyongyang around 9:20 a.m. and were a response to a South Korean hypersonic missile test conducted earlier this month. Japan has filed a diplomatic protest, firmly condemning the launches for violating United Nations Security Council resolutions. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has directed government services to collect and analyze information to ensure the safety of maritime and aerial navigation.