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07:00 GMT
TOKYO, Aug 24 (KUNA) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe condemned North Korea's submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) launch on Wednesday, calling it an unforgivable act.
"This is an impermissible and outrageous act that represents a grave threat to the security of Japan and seriously undermines the peace and stability of the region," Abe told reporters, noting that it was the first time that a North Korean SLBM reached into Japan's Air Defense Identification Zone.
"It is a clear violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and the Japanese government issued a strong protest to North Korea," the premier said. Abe also affirmed that Japan will take resolute measures, including at the UN, in close coordination with the US, South Korea and the rest of the international community.
According to the government, no damage to Japanese aircraft or ships in nearby areas has been reported.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said that North Korea test-fired the submarine-launched ballistic missile in waters off its east coast at around 5:30 a.m. (20:30 Tuesday GMT), according to the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency. The South Korean military said the missile flew about 500 kilometers, which is an improvement compared with past launches, adding that the launch was in an apparent show of defiance against the ongoing military drill between Seoul and Washington.
Wednesday's launch marked the sixth time that North Korea has tested its SLBM capabilities after its first attempt in May 2015. It also marked the third SLBM test launch this year. (end)
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