Tensions flare as North Korea test-fires ballistic missile into Sea of Japan 9:37am May 14, 2017 ( Archived) (8)

Tensions flare as North Korea test-fires ballistic missile into Sea of Japan

North Korea has test-fired a ballistic missile, Seoul's military said today, in an apparent test of South Korea's new president who backs engagement with Pyongyang.

The missile was launched from a site near the north-western city of Kusong about 5.30am local time (7am AEST) and flew about 700km, according to the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff.

people care, our brothers and sisters right across the glob care

they are trying

"The missile reached an altitude higher than 1,000 kilometers during its flight, raising the possibility that it was launched at a steep "lofted" trajectory. Deliberately firing the missile at such an angle could allow North Korea to test its capabilities without it landing closer to Japan," the agency reported.
According to South Korean military sources, quoted by Kyodo, the ballistic missile covered about 700 kilometers before splashing down in the Sea of Japan.
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The reported launch comes amid rising tensions in the region and a US military buildup in response to the North Korean nuclear and ballistic threat. In an attempt to deter Pyongyang from more nuclear and missile tests, the US has sent a group of American warships, led by an aircraft carrier, to the region while conducting war games with their regional allies.

China and Russia have condemned North Korea’s missile and nuclear tests, but both countries insist on resuming the stalled six-party talks initiative to solve Pyongyang’s nuclear issue.

The US meanwhile, has been threatening the North Korea with additional sanctions. On Friday, Pyongyang appealed to the United Nations to reconsider implementing any new measures, accusing Washington of “openly threatening member nations” to implement economic pressure on North Korea.

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The launch is the first since a new liberal president took office in South Korea on Wednesday saying dialogue as well as pressure must be used to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula and stop the North's weapons pursuit.

President Moon Jae-in has called an emergency National Security Council meeting in response to the launch, the presidential Blue House said.

And highly populated. One of these nukes falling in a town would just kill a lot of them, but really a few.

No need to be so scared.