Aug 29 (NHK) - Japan's government says North Korea has fired a missile from its western coast toward the northeastern Japanese region of Tohoku.
Government officials say the missile was launched toward the northeast at around 5:58 AM on Tuesday, Japan Time.
They suspect a missile split into 3 pieces before splashing down in Pacific waters about 1,180 kilometers of Cape Erimo in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido at around 6:12 AM.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pledged to take every step necessary to ensure the safety of the Japanese people, following reports of North Korea's missile launch.
Abe told reporters on Tuesday morning that his government is gathering information and will begin immediately analyzing the situation.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga says North Korea's latest missile launch is an unprecedented and grave threat to Japan's security.
The top government spokesperson told reporters on Tuesday morning that the ballistic missile poses a threat to peace and security of the Asia-Pacific region.
Suga called the missile firing a very problematic and dangerous act that could risk the safety of aircraft and vessels. He said that it's a clear violation of the UN Security Council resolutions.
He said that Japan absolutely cannot allow such repeated reckless and provocative acts by the North.
He said that the government has lodged a strong protest with the country and harshly condemned the launch.
Suga also said that the government will closely work with the United States and South Korea and take all necessary measures to secure safety of people in Japan.
He added that the government will convene a meeting of the National Security Council in response to the launch.
Source: ANNnewsCH
