North Korea launches at least one ballistic missile

Japan's Defense Ministry says at least one ballistic missile was launched from North Korea and is believed to have fallen outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

The ministry announced that at least one ballistic missile was launched in a northeast direction from near the east coast of North Korea at around 6:36 a.m. on Saturday.

The missile reportedly flew about 680 kilometers at a maximum altitude of some 90 kilometers, and likely fell outside Japan's EEZ in the Sea of Japan.

Officials say no damage to aircraft or vessels has been confirmed.

The Defense Ministry is analyzing information while remaining on alert and monitoring the situation.

It is the ministry's first announcement since September 20 about North Korea's possible or confirmed launch of a ballistic missile.