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North Korea test-fired a missile from its east coast Wednesday that appears to have failed, South Korean and U.S. defense authorities said as the allies continued an annual joint military training on the peninsula.
"North Korea fired one missile from an area near the Wonsan Air Base this morning, but it's presumed to have failed," the ministry said in a brief statement, adding it was "not fired normally."
The military is still trying to confirm details, including the type of projectile and whether the missile blew up midair or not.
The U.S. defense authorities said the North's missile seems to have exploded shortly after takeoff.
The U.S. Pacific Command said it detected what it assesses was a "failed North Korean missile launch attempt" from an area in the vicinity of Kalma, Gangwon Province.
"A missile appears to have exploded within seconds of launch," it said. "We are working with our interagency partners on a more detailed assessment. We continue to monitor North Korea's actions closely."
The North's provocation came as the U.S. has sent a set of key strategic defense assets here, such as an aircraft carrier and a nuclear-powered submarine, for the Foal Eagle and the Key Resolve drills.
The Donald Trump administration made it clear that it would deal resolutely with a provocative North Korea.
During a visit to Seoul last week, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that all options are being considered.
Meanwhile, senior South Korean and U.S. diplomats handling North Korea issues -- Kim Hong-kyun and Joseph Yun -- had talks in Seoul on Wednesday.
Earlier this month, the North fired four ballistic missiles, three of which fell into the sea near Japan. (Yonhap)
