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North Korea fires SLBM as joint military exercises continue

The technology has reached significant levels of development, according to Seoul.

By Elizabeth Shim
Pyongyang test-launched another submarine-launched ballistic missile early Wednesday, local time. It is the first SLBM launch since July 9. File Photo screenshot of KCTV
Pyongyang test-launched another submarine-launched ballistic missile early Wednesday, local time. It is the first SLBM launch since July 9. File Photo screenshot of KCTV

SEOUL, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- North Korea test-launched a SLBM early Wednesday, local time, according to South Korea's joint chiefs of staff.

The submarine-launched ballistic missile fell into Japan's air defense identification zone, or ADIZ, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

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"North Korea launched one SLBM at 5:30 a.m. from an area near Sinpo, South Hamgyong Province, in the direct of the East Sea," the joint chiefs statement read.

The SLBM flew more than 310 miles, the farthest distance of all projectiles in its category since North Korea began testing the missiles.

The technology has reached significant levels but the launch is still undergoing analysis, according to Seoul.

The SLBM also traveled about 50 miles into Japan's ADIZ, or JADIZ, before it fell into the sea, according to the report.

South Korea's presidential Blue House held an urgent national security council standing committee meeting on Wednesday to discuss next steps. Seoul's joint chiefs also condemned the launch as a serious violation of United Nations security council sanctions resolutions.

This is the first time North Korea launched a SLBM since July 9, and the firing comes after the second day of joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, also known as the Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercises.

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On Monday North Korea had warned of a preemptive strike in response to the military drills.

North Korea also launched a SLBM from a submarine in April. The projectile flew more than 18 miles before it exploded in midair.

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