Japan’s warning system reports suspected launch of North Korean missile

Japan’s early warning system “J-Alert” reported on Monday that North Korea had apparently fired a missile; the Japanese government suspects that the projectile was a ballistic missile.

The apparent launch came after North Korea informed Japan of a plan to launch a satellite carrier rocket before June 4, putting the region on high alert.

Pyongyang last launched a reconnaissance satellite in November and has since announced plans to launch three more this year.

North Korea seems to believe that a military reconnaissance satellite is necessary to detect possible surprise attacks by the US and South Korea.

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