North Korea launched a ballistic missile, the US: “aware of the launch”

In Seoul, it was announced that the surveillance systems detected the launch and that the army raised the alert level for fear of more launches. The South Korean military said it was sharing the information gathered with the United States and Japan, and that the three countries were continuing to analyze the flight data and the characteristics of the missile.

The US military announced that it is aware of the launch and is holding consultations with US allies in the region. The American announcement did not initially include additional details on the type of missile, its trajectory or its flight range, but emphasized the ongoing security coordination with Seoul and Tokyo.

The launch took place ahead of joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, which are expected to take place later this month. Washington and Seoul claim that the exercises are aimed at strengthening the ability to defend and deter against the North Korean threat. Pyongyang, on the other hand, presents them regularly as a preparation for invasion and as justification for the continued development of its weapons.

North Korea this year has carried out a series of tests of short-range ballistic missiles, artillery rockets and tactical weapons. Its last approved military test, in late June, included an upgraded system of 240-millimeter rocket launchers, tactical ballistic missiles and a 155-millimeter self-propelled gun.