Japan Protests North Korean Missile Launch; South Korean Media: Possibly Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile
North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles from near Sinpo on its east coast, flying approximately 140km, according to South Korean media. The Japanese government has strongly protested and condemned this action, with speculation that it could be a submarine-launched ballistic missile.
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- 📰 Published: April 19, 2026 at 15:52
- 🔍 Collected: April 19, 2026 at 16:00 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 16:32 (32 min after Collected)
South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported that the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff stated North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles from near the eastern coastal city of Sinpo around 6:10 AM today, flying approximately 140 kilometers.
Yonhap noted that since Sinpo has a submarine base, it is possible that submarine-launched ballistic missiles were fired. The report indicated that if this speculation is true, it would be North Korea's first launch of such missiles since May 2022, when they flew 600 kilometers.
This marks North Korea's missile launch after an 11-day hiatus since the 8th of this month.
Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) reported that Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, currently visiting Australia, told the media there, "North Korea launched objects that are possibly several ballistic missiles around 6 AM Japan time today, and they have already fallen outside our exclusive economic zone."
He also stated that he had received instructions from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to cooperate closely with countries such as the United States and South Korea, while making every effort to collect and analyze information.
The Nikkei newspaper reported that Japanese State Minister of Defense Masahisa Miyazaki told the media at the Ministry of Defense earlier today that North Korea's action "threatens the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community."
When asked if the missiles were launched from a submarine, he replied, "Japan, the US, and South Korea are closely analyzing it."
Takaichi had earlier issued three instructions, including ordering relevant ministries to provide information to the Japanese public, ensuring the safety of aircraft and vessels, and preparing thoroughly for unforeseen circumstances.
The Japanese government asserts that North Korea's action violates United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and is a serious issue concerning national security. It has lodged a strong protest with North Korea through diplomatic channels and strongly condemned the act. (Compiled by: Yang Wei-ching) 1150419
Yonhap noted that since Sinpo has a submarine base, it is possible that submarine-launched ballistic missiles were fired. The report indicated that if this speculation is true, it would be North Korea's first launch of such missiles since May 2022, when they flew 600 kilometers.
This marks North Korea's missile launch after an 11-day hiatus since the 8th of this month.
Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) reported that Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, currently visiting Australia, told the media there, "North Korea launched objects that are possibly several ballistic missiles around 6 AM Japan time today, and they have already fallen outside our exclusive economic zone."
He also stated that he had received instructions from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to cooperate closely with countries such as the United States and South Korea, while making every effort to collect and analyze information.
The Nikkei newspaper reported that Japanese State Minister of Defense Masahisa Miyazaki told the media at the Ministry of Defense earlier today that North Korea's action "threatens the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community."
When asked if the missiles were launched from a submarine, he replied, "Japan, the US, and South Korea are closely analyzing it."
Takaichi had earlier issued three instructions, including ordering relevant ministries to provide information to the Japanese public, ensuring the safety of aircraft and vessels, and preparing thoroughly for unforeseen circumstances.
The Japanese government asserts that North Korea's action violates United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and is a serious issue concerning national security. It has lodged a strong protest with North Korea through diplomatic channels and strongly condemned the act. (Compiled by: Yang Wei-ching) 1150419