Tokyo [Japan], October 31 (HBTV): Japan's Defence Ministry has reported that North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile on Thursday morning, suspected to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)-class weapon.

The missile, launched at 7:11 am local time, flew eastward from within North Korea’s interior before landing outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approximately 200 kilometers west of Hokkaido's Okushiri Island, at 8:37 am, according to NHK World.

Japan's Defence Minister Nakatani Gen stated that the missile's flight duration of one hour and 26 minutes marks the longest-ever trajectory for a North Korean ballistic missile. He further noted that the missile traveled around 1,000 kilometers and reached a peak altitude of approximately 7,000 kilometers.

This launch is North Korea's 12th ballistic missile or suspected ballistic missile launch this year and the first ICBM-class missile launch since December 2023. Government sources indicated that the missile might have been launched on a lofted trajectory, meaning it was fired at an unusually steep angle.

In response, Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru announced plans to convene the National Security Council to address the potential threat posed by the launch, NHK World reported.  

A subsequent post outlined the Prime Minister's instructions for responding to the missile launch, emphasizing the need to "dedicate maximum effort to gather and analyze information, and provide the public with information in a timely and appropriate manner." Additional directives included ensuring the safety of aircraft, vessels, and other assets, and implementing precautionary measures for potential contingencies.

Japanese coast guard officials have reported no immediate damage from the missile launch. Meanwhile, South Korean defense authorities confirmed that the missile was likely launched from an area near Pyongyang, with a Wednesday statement warning that North Korea could soon test an ICBM, NHK World reported.

Prime Minister Ishiba's actions and the heightened alert status reflect ongoing concerns in Japan and South Korea regarding North Korea's missile testing activities, which continue to challenge regional security and stability in Northeast Asia.   

(ANI)