North Korea provokes again, fires 2 ballistic missiles into Sea of Japan

In its first major provocation since Joe Biden took over the United States President, North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles that landed in the sea just outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone.

American and Japanese officials confirmed the launch of the ballistic missiles.

South Korean officials said that the North Korean missiles travelled 450 kilometres at an altitude of 60 kilometres.

With this launch, North Korea has effectively violated the United Nations Security Council resolutions banning it from testing ballistic missiles.

The launch also poses a challenge for Washington concerning how Joe Biden will engage with North Korea in the days to come.

Japan's Prime Minister Suga has said that he will raise the North Korean threat 'thoroughly' with the US President next month.

"We strongly protest and condemn the action. The launch threatens peace and security of our nation and the region and violates UN resolutions," Suga further said.

"We are determined to protect our citizens' lives and peaceful livelihoods at all cost and will work closely with other countries, including the US and South Korea," he added.

The US Indo-Pacific Command, in a statement, noted that North Korea's ballistic missile launch "highlights the threat that North Korea's illicit weapons programme poses to its neighbours and the international community."

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• North Korea
• North Korea ballistic missile
• North Korea missile test
• Prime Minister Suga
• Sea of Japan
• Special Economic Zone
• UNSC Sanctions
• United Nations Security Council
• South Korea