The Japanese government said Wednesday that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) appeared to have fired ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan early of the day, according to local report.

The missiles have been fired at around 4 a.m. from southwest part of the DPRK, reported Japan's Kyodo News, adding they did not cause damage to aircraft and vessels so far.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has instructed relevant government organs to collect and analyze intelligence in coordination with the United States and South Korea.

Japan is expected to lodge a protest with the DPRK over the latest ballistic missile launches, Kyodo said, citing a government official.

The Wednesday's launches followed two short-range ballistic missiles blast-offs on June 29.

The DPRK's ties with its neighbors, mainly South Korea and Japan, are at odds over its nuclear and missile programs and the country is banned from using ballistic missiles under relative UN resolutions.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)