N Korea test launches missile

2006-07-04 22:15

Tokyo - North Korea test launched a missile early on Wednesday morning that landed in the Sea of Japan, Japanese media reported.

North Korea launched the missile at 03:32 Japan Time (18:32 GMT) and it crashed into the Sea of Japan several minutes later, public broadcaster NHK reported.

NHK said Japanese government officials were trying to determine whether the missile was a long-range ballistic missile that had been readied for launch recently, or whether it was a different missile.

North Korea had been believed to be preparing a test launch of its Taepodong 2 missile, which is believed able to reach parts of the United States.

Officials were not immediately available to confirm the report.

- AP