Tokyo, April 8 -- North Korea conducted a suspected ballistic missile launch on Monday, prompting swift alerts from Japanese authorities, the Japanese Prime Minister's Office said in posts on X.

In its initial announcement, the office stated, "North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow." The posts triggered immediate attention from Japan's security and defence agencies, as well as neighbouring countries monitoring regional stability.

Following the launch, the Japanese Prime Minister's Office issued detailed instructions emphasising public safety and national preparedness. The statement read: "Instructions by the Prime Minister in Response to the Missile Launch by North Korea (14:25) 1. Dedicate maximu...