Japan: North Korea launched at least 2 ballistic missiles | NHK WORLD

Japan's state minister of defense says North Korea fired at least two ballistic missiles on Monday morning.

Koyari Takashi said the North launched the missiles from an inland area toward the northeast and east, and that they are believed to have fallen into waters near the country's eastern coast and the Sea of Japan.

He said the first missile, fired around 9:19 a.m., reached a maximum altitude of 20 kilometers and flew roughly 220 kilometers.

Koyari said the second one is believed to have reached a maximum altitude of 70 kilometers and flown more than 910 kilometers after being launched around 9:36 a.m.

The state minister also said Japan, the United States and South Korea are conducting an analysis, including the possibility of the second missile flying on an irregular trajectory.

He said the missiles have not been confirmed to have entered Japanese territory or its exclusive economic zone. He added damages to aircraft or vessels have not been confirmed.

Koyari said a series of North Korea's actions, including repeated ballistic missile launches, threaten peace and security in Japan and the international community. He said they are a grave issue concerning the safety of Japanese nationals.

He explained Japan has lodged a protest with North Korea and condemned its latest move through its embassy in Beijing, China.