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North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile on Thursday within the timeframe they had announced for the launch of a “satellite,” according to the Japanese government. The missile was fired from Tongchang-ri and presumably flew over the Okinawa area into the Pacific. There have been no reports of damage.

This comes after North Korea’s pledge to launch a rocket carrying a military reconnaissance satellite, following a failed launch in May. South Korea’s military stated that North Korea fired a “space projectile” southward.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ordered government agencies to closely monitor the situation and provide necessary information to the public. It is still unclear whether the launched object was indeed a satellite.

On Tuesday, the Japan Coast Guard was notified by Pyongyang of three maritime danger zones where an object may fall during the launch period. These designated areas are outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

In response to previous notifications, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces were authorized to destroy any projectile expected to land within Japanese territory.

Last week, the leaders of Japan, the United States, and South Korea agreed to strengthen cooperation in opposing North Korea’s nuclear and missile development. The three countries remain on alert for further provocations, including a possible intercontinental ballistic missile test.

Prime Minister Kishida has urged North Korea to exercise restraint, emphasizing that any launch using ballistic technology would violate U.N. Security Council resolutions and could lead to severe economic sanctions.

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