Despite Warnings, North Korea Launches Rocket

Japan asked for an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council after the rocket flew over its territory. However, Russia and China, have made clear they would block new sanctions by the Council, where as permanent members they have veto power.

In addition to Japan, the U.S. State Department confirmed the rocket launch.

State Department spokesman Fred Lash confirmed the launch, which took place at 0230 GMT Sunday (10:30 PM EDT Saturday night).

"We look on this as a provocative act."

Japan had deployed warships and Patriot missile interceptors off its northern coast in case any debris fell over the area.

At the same time Russia scrambled fighter jets in case any debris hits its territory, Russian news reports said.

On Friday, U.S. President Barack Obama said the international community would take action if North Korea went ahead with the launch.