North Korea fires ballistic missile from Wonsan area, flying at least 700 kilometres

North Korea fired a ballistic missile from the Wonsan area towards the East Sea at around 6:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The missile flew at least 700 kilometres.

Seoul and Washington are "conducting a detailed analysis to determine the missile's exact specifications", the statement said. South Korea, the US and Japan shared data on the launch.

A range that can be stretched

A flight of about 700 kilometres is consistent with short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. Analysts warn that Pyongyang often tests missiles on lofted or shortened trajectories, which can mask their true range.