Seoul — North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Wednesday from its capital Pyongyang, according to the South Korean military.

It flew towards the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, the South Korean joint chiefs of staff said.

It was initially unclear how far the projectile flew.

South Korea's military said it was prepared for possible further missile launches by its neighbour.

North Korea has repeatedly tested missiles this year, including a suspected intercontinental missile in late March, in defiance of UN resolutions that ban the testing of nuclear-capable missiles of any range.

This latest test came a day after US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced she would submit a draft resolution to the UN Security Council for a vote this month to strengthen sanctions against North Korea.

The US draft is primarily in response to North Korea's test of an intercontinental ballistic missile on March 24.North Korea has conducted several missile tests this year and at a recent military parade ruler Kim Jong Un said he intended to accelerate the expansion of the country's nuclear forces.

Pyongyang has been developing missiles capable of being armed with nuclear warheads for years.

North Korea is subject to strict international sanctions on account of its nuclear weapons programme.

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