NoKor Missile Falls Within Japan's EEZ

North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, that fell into the Sea of Japan, Japanese, and South Korean authorities said, in what could be the first such test conducted by Pyongyang in more than one month.

Photo Insert: The latest launch came a day after the North denounced a plan by the United States and South Korea to conduct tabletop exercises next Wednesday, as well as another round of joint military drills in March.

The Japanese Defense Ministry said the missile was fired at around 5:21 p.m. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the projectile is believed to have fallen within Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The premier instructed officials to swiftly provide necessary information to the public, ensure the safety of aircraft and ships in the area and prepare for contingencies, according to his office.

North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Jan. 1, after launching various types of missiles on a record 37 occasions last year in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions.

The latest launch came a day after the North denounced a plan by the United States and South Korea to conduct tabletop exercises next Wednesday, as well as another round of joint military drills in March.

North Korea warned that they would face its "unprecedentedly persistent and strong counteractions," according to the nation's state-run media.

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