Transcript for North Korea launches another missile test

We will have much more on the day's events. First breaking news out of North Korea launching a ballistic missile test and ABC's Bob woodruff was O the border a few hours ago and joins us with the latest. Reporter: Yes, this was launched early this morning, North Korea time, it's the ninth ballistic missile test carried out by Kim Jong-un this year alone. Now, today it was a short-range scud missile launched from a site near North Korea's east coast. It was tracked by the U.S. Pacific command as it flew about 250 miles for about six minutes before hitting the sea between Korea and Japan. Now, today Japan's prime minister called these launches retreated provocations and that they are unacceptable. China, North Korea's only ally, is certainly getting more frustrated. All this week we drove along the 800-mile Chinese border with North Korea and stopped and searched by military officials several times. Now, president trump has not indicated what he will do next. His defense secretary expressing his continued concerns. The bottom line is it would be a catastrophic war if this turns into combat. It is a direct threat to the United States. They have been very clear in their rhetoric. Reporter: The fact is Kim Jong-un is improving his weapon technology and he has now launched three missiles in about three weeks. Amy. All right, Bob woodruff, thank you.

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