North Korea has once again launched a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), as reported by U.S.-based media outlet CNN on Thursday, October 31. According to North Korean authorities, the test was conducted in the early morning local time, with the missile fired from the country’s eastern coast toward the Sea of Japan. This missile reportedly traveled the longest distance over water recorded for North Korea’s ICBMs.
Japan’s government confirmed that the missile landed approximately 300 kilometers west of Okushiri Island, off Japan’s coastline. Tokyo officials stated that the missile was distinctly different from conventional missiles, adding to concerns over Pyongyang’s advancing missile capabilities.
Despite conducting a series of ballistic missile tests over recent months, North Korea’s last known ICBM launch was in December of last year. The launch comes just a day after South Korea accused Pyongyang of preparing for a nuclear test, heightening concerns among regional and global leaders about North Korea’s nuclear ambitions