North Korea launches ballistic missile; Japanese government calls for vigilance
North Korea launched what is believed to be a ballistic missile earlier today, Japan Standard Time. According to the Ministry of Defense, the missile is believed to have already fallen. The Japanese government is rushing to collect and analyze information to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Following this launch, the Japan Coast Guard has called on vessels currently at sea to stay alert for further information. At this time, no damage to Japanese territory or territorial waters has been confirmed. The government has established a task force at the Prime Minister's Office Crisis Management Center and continues to respond to the situation.
North Korea has repeatedly launched missiles since the beginning of this year. The Japanese government has strongly protested against North Korea, stating that these repeated launches violate United Nations Security Council resolutions and threaten the peace and security of the region.
The Japanese government intends to continue monitoring North Korea's movements closely while working in close coordination with the United States and South Korea. Furthermore, it has requested that the public pay attention to the latest news via television, the internet, and other sources.