Japan: Suspected North Korea ICBM flew for 74 minutes

Jul 12 (NHK) - Japan's defense ministry says North Korea launched a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile Wednesday morning. It's believed to have fallen outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio took time out of his trip to Lithuania to condemn the launch.

He said: "North Korea's actions, including repeated ballistic missile launches, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community. They are unacceptable."

Tokyo says the missile was launched at around 10 a.m., and was in the air for about 74 minutes. That's the longest flight time for a North Korean ballistic missile on record.

It also appeared to have a "lofted" trajectory, reaching an altitude of around 6,000 kilometers.

Officials say it likely splashed into the Sea of Japan off Hokkaido's Okushiri Island.

It's the 12th launch conducted by Pyongyang so far this year. Japanese officials say this one does not appear to be linked to North Korea's attempts to put a satellite into orbit.

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