<div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 1rem;">North Korea has fired a suspected ballistic missile off its east coast, its first known test since June, South Korean military officials have said.</span><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It came after a US aircraft carrier arrived in South Korea to participate in joint drills, and ahead of a planned visit by Vice President Kamala Harris.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">South Korean state-run media said its neighbour may be preparing to test a submarine-launched ballistic missile.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The UN prohibits North Korea from ballistic and nuclear weapons tests.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Japan's coast guard confirmed the launch, warning ships to "be vigilant". It said the object appeared to have fallen outside its exclusive economic zone.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The nuclear-powered USS Ronald Reagan docked in the southern port city of Busan on Friday, to take part in joint drills off South Korea's east coast. The exercises are for the "sake of peace and stability on the Korean peninsula", according to the South Korean navy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ms Harris will visit South Korea in the coming days as part of a trip to the region that will include the funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tensions on the Korean peninsula have spiked in the past year, with Pyongyang firing a number of ballistic missiles.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">South Korea's President, Yoon Suk-yeol, who took office in May, has promised a tougher stance on North Korea and indicated closer ties with the US. Source: BBC</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>