The U.S., Japan, and South Korea claimed to have launched a ballistic missile into North Korea ahead of Kamala Harris' visit to Seoul - it flew 600 km at 6200 km/h

Ahead of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to Seoul, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered the testing of a ballistic missile.

Here's What We Know

North Korea launched a missile toward the sea near the eastern coast ahead of Kamala Harris' visit and a planned military exercise by South Korean and U.S. forces (Sept. 26-29). Three countries, the U.S., South Korea and Japan, announced it at once.

The South Korean military reports that North Korea launched one medium-range ballistic missile on September 25 at approximately 0100 hours (EET). It flew approximately 600 km at an altitude of 60 km at nearly 6,200 km (M=5).

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff called the actions of its northern neighbor a provocation and a security threat to both the peninsula and the international community. After the launch the South Korean military discussed the situation with their American colleagues and confirmed their readiness to respond to any threat or provocation from Pyongyang.

South Korea's National Security Council was forced to hold an emergency meeting to discuss a response. The coordinating body condemned the launch and considered it a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said that the Japanese military estimated the maximum altitude of the ballistic missile was 50 kilometers. It fell outside Japan's exclusive economic zone and had no effect on shipping or air traffic.

Source: Reuters

Images: The Independent, BBC