North Korea has launched a long-range rocket, South Korea and Japan have confirmed to international wire services. Reports indicate that the rocket flew over Japanese territory. (Scroll for Updates)

Update: Early reports indicate that there was indeed a satellite on board. That’s not confirmed by any government official, so grain of salt right now. Something to keep in mind here though: Even if it was a satellite, the move is still an impressive and provocative feet.

The United Nations Security Council had demanded that no ballistic missile go up from North Korea. The DPRK has now launched what appears to be a three-stage rocket capable of hitting American territory.

Update: North Korea has notified international authorities that it has indeed launched the missile. There is no indication as to whether it is still in flight or failed.

Update: The U.S. State Department has confirmed the launch. A spokesman says, “We look on this as a provocative act.”

Major Update: More…

The rocket flew over Japan and landed in the Pacific Ocean, the Japanese broadcaster NHK said, citing its government.

Japan has requested an emergency United Nations Security Council session. It has to be approved by Mexico’s mission to the United Nations.

Update: The United Nations Security Council emergency meeting has been set for 3PM.

(Cross-posted from Global Briefing. Sorry for the delay. News found via Hot Air.)