North Korea launched a projectile into the sea east of the Korean Peninsula on Sunday. Japan suspects it was a ballistic missile

North Korea launched a projectile on Sunday that appears to have been a ballistic missile into waters east of the Korean Peninsula, Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced, according to Reuters.

The information represents the latest reported development in North Korea’s military testing activities. Japanese authorities have not yet provided details about the exact type of projectile, the distance it traveled or the area where it fell.

The launch was detected and analyzed by Japan’s Ministry of Defense, which said the projectile appeared to have the characteristics of a ballistic missile. Based on the available information, it is unclear whether the object was launched as part of a planned test or whether the incident is part of a broader series of military exercises.

Projectiles launched by North Korea are closely monitored by Japan and other countries in the region because of the risks they may pose to regional security and maritime traffic. Authorities have not reported any casualties or damage so far.