Tokyo: Japan’s defense ministry has lodged a 'strong protest' with North Korea to condemn its launch of ballistic missiles on Monday.
State minister of defense Takashi Koyari said Pyongyang launched 'at least' two ballistic missiles, which are estimated to have fallen near North Korea’s east coast, outside of Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He added that there have been no confirmed reports of damaged aircraft or maritime vessels within the path of the missiles.
“Japan has lodged a strong protest with North Korea through diplomatic channels via the Japanese Embassy in Beijing, and has strongly condemned this course of action,” Koyari told media during a briefing in Tokyo.
According to South Korea’s military, Monday’s launch appears to be Pyongyang's fourth launch in a month.
North Korea last fired a ballistic missile on October 3, with state media KCNA saying it was a hypersonic missile tested under the supervision of leader Kim Jong Un.
The tests followed a border mine blast last month that wounded three South Korean soldiers. Seoul said the landmines had been planted by North Korea and demanded an apology, but Pyongyang has dismissed this and accused South Korea of provocation.
Pyongyang has conducted missile tests on more than 10 occasions this year, including four in the last month.
