North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan on Sunday, August 20, triggering fresh World War Three fears and putting regional defence forces on alert.
The weapon was launched northeastwards from North Korea's eastern coast, near Wonsan, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The missile travelled roughly 440km (273 miles) and reached a peak altitude of around 60km (37 miles) before splashing down into the Sea of Japan, outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
No damage reported, but forces on alert
Officials confirmed there have been no immediate reports of damage to ships or aircraft in the area, but defence forces remain on alert. Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi immediately ordered officials to gather and analyse information, provide the public with accurate updates, and check the safety of aircraft and ships in the area.
Emergency teams have been instructed to take all necessary precautions in case of a follow-up attack. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launch and revealed they have strengthened surveillance and are maintaining a state of readiness while sharing information closely with the US and Japan.
Ninth launch this year
This marks the ninth ballistic missile launch by Pyongyang this year, fuelling growing concern over Kim Jong Un's rapidly escalating weapons program.
Trump reportedly seeking summit
The launch comes as US President Donald Trump is reportedly making a bid to arrange a face-to-face summit with Kim Jong Un. The 80-year-old commander-in-chief, who previously boasted that he and the dictator "fell in love" over a series of letters, was claimed last month to be pressing top aides to arrange a meeting.
Reports suggested Trump was seeking to resurrect his failed first-term mission to convince Kim to give up his nuclear warheads. He is understood to be eyeing November's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, as a potential backdrop for the reunion, and was reportedly prepared to scrap strict preconditions before sitting down with the dictator.
