Seoul: North Korea launched a suspected short-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Friday, according to South Korea’s military. This action follows a warning from North Korea regarding proper measures against recent U.S. sanctions on Pyongyang.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) detected the missile launch from near Taegwan County in North Phyongan Province at 12:35 p.m. The missile traveled approximately 700 kilometers before landing in the sea. Further analysis is underway with U.S. authorities to determine the missile’s specific characteristics.

South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies had detected signs of North Korea’s missile launch preparations in advance and were closely monitoring the situation. Relevant information has been shared with both the U.S. and Japan.

The launch is North Korea’s sixth ballistic missile test this year and the second since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June. It comes a day after North Korea criticized the latest U.S. sanctions on eight North Korean individuals and two entities linked to cybercrime-related money laundering.

North Korea condemned the U.S. sanctions, viewing them as evidence of Washington’s hostile policy toward Pyongyang, and vowed to respond with appropriate measures. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to revive stalled diplomatic efforts with Pyongyang.

Earlier this week, the U.S. State Department announced its intention to seek U.N. sanctions on seven ships accused of illegally exporting North Korean coal and iron ore to China, violating U.N. Security Council sanctions related to North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.