North Korea fired an unidentified projectile into the East Sea early on the 12th, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The military is analyzing the projectile's specifications and range. If the projectile is confirmed to be a ballistic missile, it would be the first such launch in 23 days.
North Korea last launched more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles from the Pyongyang area toward the East Sea on the 20th of last month. Those missiles were presumed to be 600mm super-large multiple rocket launchers, known as the KN-25.
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement on North Korea's missile launch posted on X that it was aware of the recent launch and was consulting closely with allies and partners.
The command added that the launch, based on its current assessment, did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to its allies. It said the United States remains committed to the defense of the homeland and of allies in the region.
