North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile toward waters off its eastern coast on Wednesday, raising tensions before major US-South Korea drills. Read more: North Korea fires missile ahead of joint drillsThe launch came six days after North Korea fired another ballistic missile from the same area. South Korea and the United States will hold Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises from August 17 to 27. Read more: North Korea launches short-range ballistic missileSouth Korea and Japan condemned the launch and called for an end to actions violating UN Security Council resolutions. The launch was North Korea’s 11th suspected ballistic missile test this year, according to South Korean assessments.