North Korea fires first ballistic missile since April

North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile Thursday in what appeared to be its first such test since April, according to South Korea’s military.

The missile was fired off its eastern coast at about 5 p.m. from the Wonsan area, a South Korean Ministry of National Defense spokesman said in a text message to reporters.

“South Korea and the U.S. are currently conducting a detailed analysis regarding its exact specifications,” he wrote. Some South Korean government officials must speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies tracked the launch and shared information with Japan, according to the ministry.

The missile fell into the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, and did not enter Japanese territory, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters Thursday.

“North Korea’s series of actions, including these repeated ballistic missile launches, threaten the peace and safety of Japan, the region, and the international community,” Koizumi said. “Japan has lodged a strong protest against North Korea and condemned the action in the strongest terms.”

The U.S. and South Korean militaries are closely monitoring North Korea and remain prepared to respond, if necessary, the South Korean ministry said.

Thursday’s launch appeared to be North Korea’s first ballistic missile test since April 19, when leader Kim Jong Un oversaw tests involving cluster and fragmentation warheads carried by five tactical ballistic missiles, according to South Korean military officials and North Korean state media.

The launch comes ahead of Ulchi Freedom Shield, one of the two major annual exercises conducted by U.S. and South Korean forces. The drills typically take place in late August, though neither country has announced this year’s start date.

Stars and Stripes reporters Yoojin Lee and Hana Kusumoto contributed to this report.