North Korea appears to launch ballistic missile

North Korea has launched what appears to be a ballistic missile, Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said Friday. The missile, launched shortly before midnight local time in Japan, is apparently headed for Japanese waters. It could land in Japan's "exclusive economic zone," Reuters reported, citing Japan's public broadcaster NHK.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the missile flew for roughly 45 minutes. There were "no immediate reports of damage," CNBC reported.

Davis said the Pentagon is "assessing" the situation "and will have more information soon." Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called a meeting of Japan's National Security Council.

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This test would mark the 14th missile test North Korea has conducted this year. Becca Stanek

This is a breaking news story that will be updated as more details become available.