Tokyo and Seoul: North Korean Missile Passed Over Japanese Territory

South Korea and Japan have reported that North Korea launched a ballistic missile early Tuesday morning. They state that this missile passed over northern Japan. According to Reuters, NHK news network reported that the missile broke into three parts, which fell into waters near Hokkaido Island. The South Korean military stated that the North Korean missile was launched at 6 AM on Tuesday from the Sanan area near Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, flying 2,700 kilometers and reaching an altitude of 550 kilometers. A Japanese official also stated that the North Korean missile landed 1,180 kilometers east of Cape Erimo in Hokkaido. However, the Japanese government has urged people in the area to remain vigilant. Meanwhile, the Japanese military did not take action to intercept the North Korean missile and allowed it to pass through the country's territory. Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, emphasized the necessity of ensuring the safety of the people in the country. Abe also described the North Korean missile test as an unprecedented and serious threat that harms regional security and peace. Reuters noted that in 2009, a North Korean missile also passed over Japanese territory. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated following North Korea's missile tests. Recently, North Korea tested two intercontinental missiles. According to the White House, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, had previously warned the North Korean leader that if he threatened the United States, he would face 'fire and fury' like the world has never seen. Following this, North Korea threatened to target Guam, a U.S. territory. However, Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, stated two weeks ago that this action would be postponed, but added that this decision could change depending on Washington's next move.