TOKYO/SEOUL: North Korea fired three ballistic missiles from its west coast into the Sea of Japan on Monday, Japanese Defense Ministry officials said.

The missiles apparently fell into waters outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone, the officials said. They are believed to be short-range ballistic missiles.

South Korean military officials said the missiles were launched from the Pyongyang area. The missiles flew about 350 kilometers at a maximum altitude of about 50 kilometers, according to the Japanese officials.

No damage to aircraft or ships has been confirmed.

North Korea last fired a ballistic missile on Jan. 14.

Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio told parliament that Tokyo has protested against the missile launch. “We strongly condemn” the firing as it violates U.N. Security Council resolutions, he said.

Kishida instructed government officials to quickly provide information to the public, confirm the safety of aircraft and ships, and prepare for unexpected contingencies.

JIJI Press