North Korea Launches Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, Prompting International Outcry

North Korea conducted its first intercontinental ballistic missile launch in a month on Thursday, potentially testing a new, more mobile, harder-to-detect missile. According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staffs, the missile was launched on a high angle from near the North Korean capital of Pyongyang and flew 620 miles before landing in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

In response to the launch, Japan issued an evacuation order for a northern island, which was later retracted. The launch has prompted Japan to display its vigilance over North Korea’s evolving missile threats. Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada stated that the missile launched was likely an intercontinental ballistic missile.

The launch comes as North Korea continues its provocative run of weapons tests. The country has conducted several missile tests since May, when it launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile. The tests have raised tensions in the region and prompted the United Nations Security Council to impose new sanctions on North Korea.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation in the region and is urging North Korea to refrain from further provocations. The United States and South Korea have also been conducting joint military exercises in the region in a show of force against North Korea.