North Korea launched a missile into the sea early Thursday morning, amid joint military drills between the United States and South Korea.
The missile was launched from the North’s east coast and flew about 450 kilometers (280 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. The type of missile was not immediately known.
The launch comes as South Korean and U.S. troops are engaged in a joint military exercise called “Foal Eagle” that runs through April 30. The two-month-long exercises are held annually and are designed to test the readiness of the two countries’ forces.
North Korea has repeatedly criticized the exercises, claiming they are a rehearsal for invasion. It has also continued to test nuclear and missile technology, despite international condemnation and United Nations sanctions.
