North Korea fires projectile into sea, South Korea says

North Korea on Tuesday fired a suspected ballistic missile into the sea, South Korean and Japanese officials said.

Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said "an unidentified projectile" fired from an inland location flew toward North Korea's eastern sea Tuesday morning. It said South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities were analyzing details of the launch.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said North Korea fired "what could be a ballistic missile" and his government stepped up vigilance and surveillance as it analyzed details of the launch.

Tests of ballistic and cruise missiles earlier this month were North Korea's first such launches in six months and displayed its ability to attack targets in South Korea and Japan, both key U.S. allies where a total of 80,000 American troops are stationed.

But last Friday and Saturday, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, reached out to Seoul, saying her country was open to resuming talks and reconciliatory steps if conditions are met. Some experts said North Korea wants South Korea to work to win it relief from U.S.-led sanctions.