N. Korea reportedly test-fires 3 missiles
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SEOUL - North Korea fired three missiles off its eastern coast today, South Korea said, in what could be viewed as a message of defiance to the United States on its Independence Day holiday.
The launches, which came two days after North Korea fired four short-range missiles, could further escalate tensions in the region as the United States tries to muster support for tough enforcement of the UN resolution imposed on the communist regime for its May nuclear test.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were fired this morning, but declined to elaborate on the type.
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency quoted military officials as saying the missiles appeared to be a type of Scud missile.
A senior presidential official said the missiles fired are believed to have a range of less than about 300 miles.
North Korea fired four short-range missiles off the east coast on Thursday.
Speculation had been high that the communist country might launch more missiles in the coming days. North Korea had warned shipping to stay away from its east coast effective through July 10.
