据探测,朝鲜导弹发射失败

U.S. and South Korean military officials say they have detected a failed ballistic missile launch in North Korea near the northwestern city of Kusong.

In a statement, The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said North Korea likely launched a Musudan intermediate-range missile early Thursday. U.S. and South Korean monitors say the missile appeared to have exploded shortly after take-off and thus posed no threat.

"We strongly condemn the North's continued illegal acts of provocation and are fully prepared to counter any further provocations," the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement Thursday.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a news conference Thursday Japan was aware of the missile launch and expects more missiles out of North Korea as the country expands its development program.