North Korea is believed to have launched a ballistic missile, but it is presumed to have failed. This is the first ballistic missile launch in over two months since September 13, coinciding with the day the partial suspension of the September 19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement took effect.
On the 23rd, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) stated, "At around 11:05 PM the previous day, North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile from the Sunan area in South Pyongan Province toward the East Sea," adding, "It is presumed to have failed." The JCS also said, "South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies are conducting further analysis."
Earlier, on the night of the 21st at 10:42 PM, North Korea announced on the 22nd that it had successfully launched its military reconnaissance satellite 'Malligyong-1' and accurately placed it into orbit. In response, the South Korean military decided to suspend the enforcement of the no-fly zone set under Article 1, Clause 3 of the September 19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement as of 3 PM the previous day, and immediately deployed surveillance and reconnaissance assets to the frontline to resume reconnaissance activities against the North.
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