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Japan says North Korea has conducted what appeared to be its longest ever intercontinental ballistic missile test. The missile was launched on a sharply lofted trajectory from an area near the North Korean capital Pyongyang on October 31, 2024, and splashed down about 300km (190 miles) west of Japan’s Hokkaido. The test came a day after South Korea reported signs the North may test-launch an ICBM or conduct a seventh nuclear test around the US presidential election on November 5, to draw attention to its growing military prowess. The launch drew swift condemnation from South Korea, Japan and the US, and came amid reports that North Korea dispatched thousands of troops to Russia to support its war in Ukraine. South Korea has warned Pyongyang could seek missile technology from Russia in exchange for its troop deployment. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi says Tokyo suspects the latest launch may be a different missile than in the past.
