North Korea test fires missiles

SEOUL, Thursday

North Korea test-fired four short-range missiles today, further stoking tension in the region that was already high due to Pyongyang’s nuclear test and threats to boost its nuclear arsenal in response to UN sanctions.

The North, which often fires short-range missiles as part of military drills and usually times the launches for periods of diplomatic friction, was hit with UN sanctions following its May 25 nuclear test.

The salvo began with two surface-to-ship missiles fired off North Korea’s east coast between 5:20pm and 6pm (0820-0900 GMT) that flew about 100km and splashed into the sea, a South Korean defence official said.

A third short-range missile was fired around two hours later, the defence ministry said. (Reuters)