NORTH Korea has fired a suspected ballistic missile towards Japan.
It comes just hours after the US sent out bomber jets in a warning to despot Kim Jong-un.
Despite being banned from using ballistic missiles, South Korea's military said it believes one was fired from the hermit kingdom towards the Sea of Japan.
The nuclear-armed country has been under UN sanctions for its missile and nuclear programmes since 2006.
It comes after the US sent out B-1B bombers for joint drills with South Korea and Japan.
As tensions continue to boil, the three allies have stepped up responses to threats from North Korea and are preparing to wrap up 11 days of war games.
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On Wednesday, a US B-1B flew alongside South Korean FA-50 jets and US Air Force F-16 fighters as part of ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises on Wednesday, South Korea's defence ministry said.
And two US Air Force B-1Bs joined joint drills with 12 Japanese fighters, including four F-15 jets, according to Japan's defence ministry.
Kim has repeatedly slammed the annual drills as rehearsal for war, despite the nations insisting the exercises are defensive amid his constant missile tests.
Alongside a series of missile tests, Kim has also flexed North Korea's military muscle at the West by showcasing his new ballistic missiles and drones.
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The tyrant watched on late last month as the terrifying weapons were flaunted in a mighty military parade in Pyongyang.
Kim stood shoulder to shoulder with Chinese and Russian officials as they reviewed his newest nuclear-capable missiles and attack drones in the capital.
New attack and spy drones were also flown overhead in a show of strength, the KCNA state news agency reported.
The parade is also understood to have included North Korea's latest Hwasong-17 and Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles.
They are believed to have the range to strike anywhere in the US.
And in a speech at the parade, North Korean Defence Minister General Kang Sun Nam accused the US and its allies of increasing tension in the region.
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