Korean Peninsula: North Korea reportedly fires missile Nov. 29

Event

South Korean media reported a North Korean missile launch from Pyongsong, South Pyongan province, early on Wednesday, November 29 (local time). The trajectory of the missile is not yet known, however officials did say it flew eastward toward Japan. Details are still emerging.

Context

The development of North Korea's nuclear program has been a persistent, global geopolitical concern. Tensions are currently exceptionally high after the country's most recent intercontinental ballistic missile test in September, following a series of similar tests in the preceding months. An increase in inflammatory rhetoric and threats (including between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un) in recent months have led to increased concerns over a potentially dangerous confrontation involving the volatile state.

Meanwhile, on August 5, the UN Security Council unanimously voted to enforce a new series of sanctions on North Korea. These aim to hurt the country's economy by targeting its carbon, iron, and fishing industries.

Advice

Individuals on the Korean Peninsula are advised to follow any instructions provided by local authorities and to monitor developments to the situation.