N Korea fires missile over Japan; attack warnings sounded; launch an ‘unprecedented threat’

North Korea launches a missile which passes over Japan, the Japanese Government says.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has promised to “protect the lives” of his country’s people after North Korea fired a missile over northern Japan this morning.

Key points:

• Japanese military did not attempt to shoot missile down
• Missile lands in sea off northern island of Hokkaido
• US says launch does not pose threat to North America

The missile was launched from near North Korean capital Pyongyang and flew about 2,700 kilometres, reaching an altitude of about 550km.

It flew over Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido before breaking into three pieces and falling into the sea about 1,180 km to the east of Japan.

Air raid warnings sounded in northern Japan as the missile approached, with people being warned to take shelter in basements.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the missile launch posed an “unprecedented threat” and was a clear violation of United Nations resolutions.

“This ballistic missile launch appeared to fly over our territory,” the top government spokesman told reporters.

“It is an unprecedented, serious and grave threat to our nation.”

“We will make utmost efforts to firmly protect the lives of the people,” Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters in brief remarks as he entered his office for emergency meetings.

The Japanese military did not attempt to shoot down the missile.

Source: North Korea fires missile over Japan; attack warnings sounded; launch an ‘unprecedented threat’ – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)