North Korea launches long-range ballistic missile into Sea of ​​Japan

North Korea launched a “long-range ballistic missile” this Thursday, the South Korean army reported, in the first weapons test since Seoul accused Pyongyang of sending thousands of soldiers to Russia.

“Our Army detected a ballistic missile launch from the Pyongyang area towards the East Sea (Sea of ​​Japan) at approximately 7:10 a.m. today (22:10 GMT on Wednesday),” according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (EMC).

“The ballistic missile is presumed to be a long-range projectile launched at a high angle,” he added.

North Korea usually launches its most powerful, long-range missiles on an upward trajectory, not outward, thereby ensuring they avoid flying over neighboring countries.

Extensive flight

“Our Army raised its alert level and shares information about North Korean ballistic missiles with authorities from the United States and Japan,” added the EMC.

Japan’s Defense Minister, Gen Nakatani, assured that the missile had the longest flight time for North Korea.

“It was the longest flight time for any missile so far,” the Japanese minister told reporters. “I think it could be different from a conventional missile.”

The launch comes after the United States and South Korea demanded that North Korea withdraw its troops from Russia, where Washington claims that 10,000 troops were deployed for possible action against Ukrainian forces.