North Korea test-fired at least two suspected ballistic missiles on Monday, which fell into the sea to the country's east, according to Japan's Ministry of Defense. The launches occurred after 9 a.m. local time and were directed toward the northeast and east, landing in the Sea of Japan, officials stated.
This year, Pyongyang has conducted at least 11 test-launches of approximately 18 ballistic missiles and other projectiles, exceeding last year's launch numbers by more than double and projectile numbers by about triple, Japan's vice minister of defense for policy, Takashi Koyari, told reporters. The ministry is conducting a joint analysis with the United States and South Korea regarding the trajectory of the second missile.
The first missile, launched around 9:19 a.m., reached an altitude of about 20 kilometers (12 miles) and traveled approximately 220 kilometers (142 miles). The second missile, launched at about 9:36 a.m., climbed to an altitude of about 70 kilometers (43 miles) and flew more than 910 kilometers (565 miles).
The launches on Monday were the first reported since Oct. 3, when another ballistic missile was fired into the sea. No immediate reports of damage have been made, but Koyari stated that North Korea's actions threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community. Japan has lodged a stern protest and strong condemnation with North Korea through its embassy in Beijing.