North Korea fires ballistic missile amid South Korea-US drills

North Korea fired a ballistic missile Wednesday, its second test in less than a week, as Seoul and Washington prepare to begin annual military drills next week. The launches appear to signal Pyongyang’s opposition to the exercises, which it views as a rehearsal for an invasion.

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has said that Japan, together with the US and the Republic of Korea, is currently continuing to analyze information related to North Korea's missile launch The suspected ballistic missile was launched towards Japan and likely fell just outside of its special economic zone, Tokyo said. Pyongyang conducts second weapons test in less than a week as Seoul, Washington gear up for annual military exercises.

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