North Korea has fired a ballistic missile across Japan, creating new tension in the region after its nuclear bomb test less than two weeks ago. The launch took place from the Sunan airfield north of Pyongyang. South Korea military says, the missile reached an altitude of about 770 kms, travelling 3,700 kms before landing in the sea off Hokkaido. It flew higher and further than one fired over Japan late last month. <br/>'<br/>As with the last test on the 29th of last month, the missile flew over Japan's northern Hokkaido island before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. There are no immediate reports of damage to aircrafts or ships. Sirens sounded across the region and text message alerts were sent out warning people to take cover.<br/>'<br/>Observers say it is likely to have been an intermediate range ballistic missile, though Japanese officials believe there is still a possibility it was an intercontinental ballistic missile. Sanctions on the North were tightened this week in response to its sixth nuclear test on the 3rd of this month, which reportedly involved a miniaturized hydrogen bomb that could be loaded on to a long-range missile. After the latest round of sanctions, it is not clear what other course of action is open to the UN Security Council. <br/>'<br/>In South Korea, President Moon Jae-in held an emergency meeting of his national security council, where he said that dialogue with the North is impossible in a situation like this.<br/>'<br/>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, his country would never tolerate such dangerous provocative action. <br/><br/>Russia today condemned a new missile launch by North Korea that came days after the United Nations Security Council imposed fresh sanctions on Pyongyang over its sixth nuclear test. <br/><br/>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Pesko said Russia is deeply concerned by the latest provocative launches which lead to a further escalation of tensions on the peninsula. Russia firmly condemn the continuation of such provocative actions.South Korea responded within minutes by firing two ballistic missiles into the sea in a simulated strike on the North.US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also condemned the launch and the UN Security Council will meet later today in New York at the request of America and Japan

North Korea has fired a ballistic missile across Japan, creating new tension in the region after its nuclear bomb test less than two weeks ago. The launch took place from the Sunan airfield north of Pyongyang. South Korea military says, the missile reached an altitude of about 770 kms, travelling 3,700 kms before landing in the sea off Hokkaido. It flew higher and further than one fired over Japan late last month. <br/>'<br/>As with the last test on the 29th of last month, the missile flew over Japan's northern Hokkaido island before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. There are no immediate reports of damage to aircrafts or ships. Sirens sounded across the region and text message alerts were sent out warning people to take cover.<br/>'<br/>Observers say it is likely to have been an intermediate range ballistic missile, though Japanese officials believe there is still a possibility it was an intercontinental ballistic missile. Sanctions on the North were tightened this week in response to its sixth nuclear test on the 3rd of this month, which reportedly involved a miniaturized hydrogen bomb that could be loaded on to a long-range missile. After the latest round of sanctions, it is not clear what other course of action is open to the UN Security Council. <br/>'<br/>In South Korea, President Moon Jae-in held an emergency meeting of his national security council, where he said that dialogue with the North is impossible in a situation like this.<br/>'<br/>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, his country would never tolerate such dangerous provocative action. South Korea responded within minutes by firing two ballistic missiles into the sea in a simulated strike on the North.US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also condemned the launch and the UN Security Council will meet later today in New York at the request of America and Japan