North Korea fires several short-range ballistic missiles — Japan

North Korea launched at least seven short-range ballistic missiles early Tuesday off its eastern coast, Japan’s defense minister said.

The missiles flew at an altitude of 100 kilometers (62 miles) and covered a range of 400 kilometers (249 miles), said Gen Nakatani.

All of the missiles landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the ocean, he added.

The Japanese government alerted nearby aircraft and vessels, but there were no reports of damage, officials said.

G7 condemns missile launches

Meanwhile, foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) bloc of nations condemned "in the strongest terms" North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) last week.

Calling it a destabilizing action that prioritizes weapons over citizen welfare, the group, comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union's High Representative, demanded Monday that Pyongyang abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs "in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner."

The ministers called for full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, saying North Korea continues to advance its "unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities and to escalate its destabilizing activities."

The G7 reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula while upholding the international rules-based order.

Earlier, the Japanese prime minister’s office said North Korea launched a "suspected ballistic missile.”

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba directed authorities to collect and analyze information to keep the public promptly informed, confirm the safety of all aircraft and ships, and prepare for any unforeseen developments, according to the prime minister's office.

An emergency response team was conven ed at the Prime Minister’s Crisis Management Center to coordinate efforts among ministries.

North Korea’s actions "violate UN Security Council resolutions" and "threaten the safety of the Japanese people," the prime minister’s office said, pledging continued coordination with allies including the US and South Korea to monitor developments closely.

This marks the 13th missile incident involving North Korea this year.

Last Thursday, Pyongyang confirmed the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), marking its 12th missile test of 2024.