North Korea fires suspected submarine-launched missile into waters off Japan


According to the South Korean military, North Korea fired a suspected submarine-launched ballistic missile into waters off the coast of Japan.

In January, Pyongyang showcased the rocket, calling it "the world's most powerful weapon."

It comes just weeks after South Korea unveiled its own comparable weapon.

In recent weeks, North Korea has conducted a series of missile tests, claiming to have tested hypersonic and long-range weaponry.

Some of these tests are in violation of international treaties.

The United Nations has specifically barred the country from testing ballistic missiles or nuclear weapons.

Ballistic missiles, according to the UN, are more dangerous than cruise missiles because they may carry more potent warheads, have a longer range, and fly quicker.

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The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea reported on Tuesday that a missile had been launched from the port of Sinpo in eastern North Korea, where Pyongyang generally bases its submarines. The East Sea, often known as the Sea of Japan, is where it landed.

It was suspected to be a submarine-launched ballistic missile, they claimed.

The missile was thought to have travelled around 450 kilometres, according to South Korean media.