TOKYO, January 14. /TASS/. North Korea has launched what is believed to be a ballistic missile, the Japan Coast Guard reported.

According to the agency, it is highly likely that the missile has already fallen. The NHK TV channel said, citing Japanese government sources, that it probably fell outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Earlier, Japanese patrol vessels urged ships in the region not to approach missile debris if they spot it and to contact authorities immediately.

On December 18, North Korea launched the Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile. According to the North Korean Central News Agency, the missile flew 1,002.3 kilometers in 4,415 seconds with a maximum altitude of 6,518.2 kilometers and "accurately hit the targeted water area.".