Japan ordered its military Saturday to prepare to shoot down a North Korean ballistic missile after Pyongyang said this week it was ready to launch its first military spy satellite.

Japan puts military on alert fearing North Korean missile

South Korea’s military apologised for a failed missile launch amid its joined drill with the United States in response to North Korea. According to reports, the missile launched during the drill malfunctioned and crashed causing alarm among nearby residents who thought they were under attack from North Korea.

South Korean military apologises after failed missile launch alarmed citizens

The meeting scheduled for 1500 GMT was requested by the United States and Japan after Pyongyang launched at least four ballistic missiles

UN Security Council will meet Wednesday on North Korea missile launches