A North Korea missile launch failed Tuesday morning, according to South Korean military officials.
The Associated Press, citing South Korean media, reported that the intermediate-range Musudan missile fired around 5 a.m. Seoul time has the ability to reach U.S. military bases in Asia and the Pacific.
The failed test is the latest in a string of failed missile launches emanating from Pyongyang. North Korea in April conducted three test missile launches, all of which failed.
South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported that the missile may have failed to get off the ground after exploding at a mobile launch pad upon lift off.
The report arrived one day after Japan placed its military on alert Monday in case of a possible North Korean ballistic missile launch, according to Reuters.
"We have no reports of any damage in Japan. We are gathering and analyzing data. The defense ministry is prepared to respond to any situation," Japanese Minister of Defense General Nakatani said.
"North Korea shows no sign of abandoning the development of nuclear missiles and so we will continue to work closely with the U.S. and South Korea in response and maintain a close watch on North Korea."
The Associated Press reported:
Despite the recent failures, there have been growing worries about North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities this year, which include a nuclear test in January and a rocket launch in February that outsiders saw as a test of banned long-range missile technology. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un issued an order in March that tests be conducted of a nuclear warhead and ballistic missiles capable of carrying such warheads. The order was thought to be part of North Korea's response to annual South Korea-U.S. military drills that it sees as a rehearsal for an invasion.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying urged nations to halt any action that would "further worsen tensions" in the region.
South Korea’s foreign ministry threatened Tuesday to implement stricter sanctions against Pyongyang if the military continues to test missiles.