North Korea fires 4 missiles, 3 fell into Japan’s exclusive economic zone

North Korea fired an "unidentified projectile" into waters east of the peninsula on Monday (March 6), South Korea's defence ministry said.PHOTO: EPA

SEOUL: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tokyo lodged a “strong protest” to North Korea after the reclusive state launched four ballistic missiles early Monday, three of which fell into Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

“The latest launches of ballistic missiles clearly demonstrate evidence of a new threat from North Korea,” Abe told reporters at his residence.

The missiles were launched from the area of Tongchang-ri, where a missile base is located, the South Korean military said, in a possible retaliation by North Korea to joint US-South Korean drills that began last week. 

North Korea has criticised the annual drills, calling them preparation for war against it.

Last year the isolated state fired a long-range rocket that put an object into orbit. The launch was condemned by the United Nations for violating resolutions that ban the use of missile technology. - AFP, Reuters