Pyongyang's launch of missile comes amid heightening tensions on Korean Peninsula
North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile, the Japanese government said early Thursday.
South Korea's military also confirmed the missile was fired toward the East Sea, though further details are still under analysis.
The launch follows reports of North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia, a move condemned by South Korea, the US and NATO.
The latest launch marks North Korea's first missile test since it fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Sept. 18.