A long-range ballistic missile was launched today by North Korea in the sea off Japan’s east coast, after Pyongyang warned of a strong response to upcoming military drills USA-South Korea.

Japanese authorities said the missile fell into the sea inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone more than an hour after launch, suggesting it was one of North Korea’s largest missiles.

North Korea’s first missile launch since January 1 comes after Pyongyang threatened on Friday an “unprecedented, persistent, strong” response as South Korea and the US prepare for annual military exercises as part of efforts to deter of North Korea’s growing nuclear and missile threat.

Nuclear-armed North Korea launched an unprecedented number of missiles last year, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that could hit anywhere in the United States, as it resumed preparations for its first nuclear test since 2017.

Today the long-range missile was launched from the Sunan region near Pyongyang, the general staff of South Korea’s armed forces announced. Sunan is home to Pyongyang International Airport, where North Korea has conducted most of its recent ICBM tests.

North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs have been banned by UN Security Council resolutions, but Pyongyang says the weapons development is necessary to counter “hostile policies” by Washington and its allies.