North Korean leader Kim Jong-un gives guidance at a high-tech complex in Pyongyang
Yonhap news agency on November 21 quoted information from the South Korean military saying that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has just launched a rocket carrying a military reconnaissance satellite, after two failed launches this year.
The launch was carried out a day earlier than scheduled. Previously, North Korea informed Japan of the launch plan, which would take place between November 22 and December 1.
Japan's government warned that North Korea appeared to have fired at least one missile toward Okinawa, urging residents there to seek shelter immediately, NHK reported, citing a Japanese defense source. The missile appeared to be carrying a satellite.
The evacuation warning was later lifted and the Japanese government said the missile appeared to be headed toward the Pacific Ocean. The Japanese Coast Guard, citing information from the country's defense ministry, said no measures were taken to destroy the missile.
South Korea had previously warned North Korea not to proceed with the launch as it would violate United Nations Security Council resolutions banning Pyongyang from using ballistic missile technology.
According to Kyodo news agency, after receiving the notification from North Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that government ministries and agencies were fully prepared for the possibility of a satellite launch. The leader said that the country's defense systems, including Aegis destroyers and PAC-3 air defense missile systems, were activated to prevent any "unforeseen situations that may arise."
North Korea has already launched two satellites this year, but they have failed. This test marks the first attempt since North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited Russia in September and was offered help by Russian President Vladimir Putin to build a satellite.
While Japan readied its warships, South Korea issued warnings to ships traveling in waters that could be affected by the launch.
The information from Pyongyang was released hours before the US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson docked at Busan port on November 21, in a move that the South Korean military said was aimed at expanding deterrence against threats from North Korea.
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