Japan: "North Korea ballistic missile may pass over Japanese airspace"…Evacuation orders issued to local residents

A photo reported by the Korean Central News Agency in March last year showing the test launch of a newly developed tactical guided missile.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyeon-jin] On the 4th, the Japanese government instructed residents of Hokkaido and Aomori Prefecture to evacuate, stating that a ballistic missile suspected to have been launched from North Korea may have passed over Japanese airspace.

According to NHK and TBS broadcasts, the Crisis Management Center of the Japanese Prime Minister's Office announced around 7:29 a.m. that North Korea appears to have launched a missile.

A Japanese government official told NHK that an object suspected to be a ballistic missile launched from North Korea may have passed over Japanese airspace. It is believed to have passed over Hokkaido and Aomori Prefecture and headed toward the Pacific Ocean. Residents were urged not to approach any suspicious objects and to contact the police or fire authorities if such objects are found.

The Japan Coast Guard, having received information from the Ministry of Defense, advised vessels in navigation to pay close attention to future information.

Meanwhile, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the East Sea on the same day. Military authorities are analyzing parameters such as range, altitude, and speed.

North Korea has launched ballistic missiles 21 times and cruise missiles twice this year. Since the inauguration of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, this is the ninth missile launch.