Abe orders quick response after North Korean missile launch

[yuiyoshida]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered stepped-up security and intelligence-gathering measures on Sept. 5 following the North Korean launch earlier that day of three ballistic missiles that landed in the Sea of Japan.

Abe gave the directive from Hangzhou, China, where he was attending the G-20 summit.

In particular, Abe directed the relevant government ministries and agencies to make every effort to gather and analyze intelligence related to the missiles and provide quick and accurate information to the public; take thorough measures to secure the safety of aircraft and ships; and prepare an organizational structure to deal with any emergency.

According to government officials, the missiles were launched from the west coast of North Korea and likely landed in Japan's exclusive economic zone. All flew about 1,000 kilometers and landed 200 to 250 km west of the Okushirijima island of Hokkaido.

There have so far been no reports of damage to any aircraft or ships.

http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201609050046.html