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North Korea on Monday fired a ballistic missile toward the East Sea, South Korea’s military said, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.
Japan’s coast guard also said a projectile believed to be a North Korea-fired missile had fallen.
The launch of ballistic missile by North Korea coincided with a visit by outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Seoul for talks with some of the key ministers amid the political turmoil in South Korea.
The firing of missiles by North Korea also comes barely two weeks before the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on January 20.
“North Korea sent unknown ballistic missile towards East Sea,” a report by AFP quoted South Korea’s military as saying.
As per a report by Associated Press, the Joint Chief of Staff of the South Korean military did not confirm exactly how many missiles were fired by North Korea or how far they flew.
Monday’s launch was Pyongyang’s first this year and comes after its last on November 5 when it test-fired what it said was its most advanced and powerful solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
That was North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s first weapons test since being accused of sending troops to Russia to help it fight Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Blinken who is in Seoul, met with South Korean Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Monday and emphasised US’ “unwavering” defence commitment to the country.
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View AllAs per an official readout, Blinken also called for close diplomatic and security communication to deter against possible North Korea provocations.
Choi is standing in for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol whose declaration of martial law on December 3 stunned South Korea and led to his suspension from duties on December 14.
With inputs from agencies.
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