North Korea launched a ballistic missile, presumably with a satellite, at 22.43 (16.43 Moscow time). Japan has issued an alert and evacuation warning for the population of the southern prefecture of Okinawa. Then Ministry of Defense Japan reported that a North Korean missile fired by North Korea flew over the Pacific Ocean at 22:55 (16:55 Moscow time), and the evacuation warning was lifted. Later, according to Yonhap, the DPRK announced that it had successfully launched a reconnaissance satellite on a new rocket and was planning to launch several more in a short time.

“The United States strongly condemns the DPRK for launching a space launch vehicle using ballistic technology,” the White House said in a statement.

They also claim that North Korea’s actions are a “flagrant violation” of numerous Security Council resolutions UNincrease tensions and risk destabilizing security in the region and beyond.

The White House also called on the international community to condemn the missile launch, and the DPRK to stop “provocative actions” and sit down at the negotiating table. It also adds that the United States will take all necessary measures to protect itself, as well as to protect South Korea and Japanese allies.