By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, May 26 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. military said Thursday that it is aware of a North Korean ballistic missile launch this week, reaffirming America's defense commitment to regional allies.

U.S. Pacific Command released a statement hours after Pyongyang fired a short-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea -- a launch that came ahead of a major South Korea-U.S. military exercise that the North has decried as a rehearsal for invasion.

"We are aware of the missile launch and are consulting closely with our allies and partners," the command said in a statement posted on its website.

"Based on current assessments, this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or territory, or to our allies. The United States remains committed to the defense of the U.S. homeland and our allies in the region," it added.

The North last tested a tactical ballistic missile, as well as new multiple rocket launchers and other weapons, on June 25.

sshluck@yna.co.kr

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