North Korea has launched a ballistic missile, according to multiple military reports, just weeks after the country tested an intercontinental rocket capable of hitting parts of the US.The US defence department says the launch appears to be that of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
South Korea's military and Shinzo Abe, Japan's prime minister, confirmed the report of Friday's launch. In Seoul and Tokyo, the governments convened meetings of their national security councils.
"There is a possibility that it landed within our EEZ [exclusive economic zone]," Abe said in Tokyo.
"We will be analysing it immediately and do our best for the safety of our people."
Captain Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesperson, said the launch had been expected and took place at about 14:45 GMT from Mupyong-ni, an arms plant in northern North Korea.
He said the launch did not pose a threat to North America.
South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing the country's military joint chiefs of staff, said the missile was launched from North Korea's Jagang province, and landed in the East Sea.