North Korea fired ballistic missiles into Japanese waters

North Korea tested a ballistic missile early this morning that traveled 1,000 km before landing in Japanese waters, writes the British Independent, reports NAP.

The missile was launched early this morning from the northwest coast.

United Nations resolutions prohibit North Korea from developing nuclear and ballistic technology.

This move is considered a "physical response" to the plan by America and Seoul to deploy an advanced defense system in South Korea.

Several launches have been carried out in recent months.

The US Strategic Command says two missiles were fired simultaneously on Wednesday morning, and one exploded immediately after being fired.

This morning's missile flight is considered the longest to date for North Korean tests.

A South Korean joint chiefs of staff official claims the launch demonstrated the North's "ambition to attack neighboring countries." He added that he believes it was a medium-range Rodong.

The Japanese Minister of Defense stated that the missile landed within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which extends 200 nautical miles of ocean around Japan over which Japan has jurisdiction.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated that the move represents a huge security threat to Japan, calling it an "unforgivable act of violence," and said that Tokyo had lodged a protest against such an act.

The United States has also condemned North Korea's move.

"We are prepared to respond to further provocations by the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), as well as to defend our country and our allies from any attack or provocation," stated State Department spokesperson Anna Richey-Allen.

After several seemingly failed launches, North Korea fired a medium-range missile more than 1,400 km into the atmosphere in June, indicating that it had made progress in its ability to strike US targets in the region, analysts believe.

North Korea already fired three ballistic missiles into the sea in July, stating at the time that it was a simulated attack on the South.

Local media reported that South Korean officials believe the North is preparing to conduct a fifth nuclear weapons test.

However, there is still no evidence that the North has the capacity to install a nuclear warhead on a missile to carry out an attack.