The military reported that North Korea fired a projectile believed to be a ballistic missile into the East Sea on Wednesday.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff(JCS) said the North launched the projectile from around the Chagang Province region into the East Sea at around 8:10 a.m., adding that South Korean and U.S. military authorities are closely analyzing the specifics.

The JCS added that, based on close cooperation with the U.S., the military is keeping a close eye on the North for the possibility of further launches while maintaining defense readiness. 

Japanese media also reported the launch, saying the Japan Coast Guard announced at 8:13 a.m. that what is likely a ballistic missile was launched from the North. 

The latest launch is Pyongyang’s first armed provocation of this year and comes 78 days after the reclusive state tested its newest submarine-launched ballistic missile.

[Photo : YONHAP News]