North Korea fires suspected submarine-launched missile into waters off Japan

North Korea has fired a suspected submarine-launched ballistic missile into waters off the coast of Japan, South Korea’s military has said.

Pyongyang unveiled the missile in January, describing it as “the world’s most powerful weapon”.

It comes weeks after South Korea unveiled a similar weapon of its own.

North Korea has carried out a flurry of missile tests in recent weeks, including of what it said were hypersonic and long-range weapons.

Some of the tests violate strict international sanctions.

The country is specifically prohibited by the United Nations from testing ballistic missiles as well as nuclear weapons.

The UN considers ballistic missiles to be more threatening than cruise missiles because they are able to carry more powerful payloads, have a longer range and can fly faster.

South Korea’s chief of staff, on Tuesday, said one missile had been launched from the port of Sinpo, in the east of North Korea where Pyongyang usually bases its submarines. It landed in the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan.

They said it was suspected to have been a submarine-launched ballistic missile.