DPRK launches ballistic missile: South Korean military

World Today

FILE – In this undated file photo distributed by the North Korean government on May 22, 2017, a solid-fuel “Pukguksong-2” missile lifts off during its launch test at an undisclosed location in North Korea. Seven months ahead of the Pyeongchang Olympics, many in South Korea, including new liberal President Moon Jae-in, hope to use the Games as a venue to promote peace with rival North Korea. To do so, the North’s participation is essential, but an ongoing nuclear tension and a lack of winter sports athletes in North Korea could ruin the attempts at reconciliation. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File)

The Republic of Korea’s military said the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea launched ballistic missile, part of a string of test-firings in recent months.

Yonhap news agency reported the DPRK launched a ballistic missile from a province near the border with China on Tuesday.

“North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea from the vicinity of Banghyon, North Pyongan Province, at around 9:40 a.m.,” the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

ROK President Moon Jae-in convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, shortly after the DPRK launched what appeared to be a ballistic missile in its latest provocation, according to Yonhap.

Story by The Associated Press