The South Korean military said North Korea launched a rocket carrying a military satellite, earlier than the time frame Pyongyang previously announced.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JSC), the missile carrying North Korea’s military satellite was launched in a southerly direction. South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense is gathering more information about the launch.
The Japanese government also announced through the J-Alert system that North Korea appeared to have launched a missile and issued a warning to the people of Okinawa Prefecture, in the south of the country. The warning was later removed.
Radio NHK reported that North Korea’s missile flew into the Pacific region at 10:55 p.m. (20:55 Hanoi time).
North Korean officials have not commented on the information.
North Korea’s Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile during a test launch on July 13. Image: KCNA
Japan previously said North Korea had announced that it could launch a reconnaissance satellite between November 22 and December 11. If confirmed, this would be North Korea’s third attempt this year, after two failed attempts to put a military reconnaissance satellite into orbit in May and August.
Experts say successfully placing the reconnaissance satellite into orbit will improve North Korea’s ability to gather intelligence information, especially information related to South Korea, and provide important data in any any military conflict.
North Korea, South Korea and surrounding areas. Graphics: CSIS
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