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North Korea: Four ballistic missiles fired into sea North Korea: Four ballistic missiles fired into sea
(35 minutes later)
North Korea has launched four ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe has said.North Korea has launched four ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe has said.
Three of them fell into Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) after flying some 1,000km (620 miles).Three of them fell into Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) after flying some 1,000km (620 miles).
They were fired from the Tongchang-ri region, near the North's border with China, the South Korean military said.They were fired from the Tongchang-ri region, near the North's border with China, the South Korean military said.
It is unclear what type of missiles were fired, but the North is banned by the UN from any tests of missile or nuclear technology.It is unclear what type of missiles were fired, but the North is banned by the UN from any tests of missile or nuclear technology.
A South Korean military official said the launch took place at 07:36 local time Monday (22:36 GMT Sunday) and was being investigated to determine the type of the projectile used. A South Korean military official said the launch took place at 07:36 local time Monday (22:36 GMT Sunday) and was being investigated to determine the type of projectile used.
It is just the latest in a long series of tests of North Korean missile technology. On Friday, Pyongyang threatened to fire missiles in response to the Foal Eagle military exercises under way between South Korea and the US. The North sees the annual drills as preparation for an invasion against it.
Last month North Korea claimed it had successfully test-fired a new kind of ballistic missile in a launch supervised by leader Kim Jong-un. The test was condemned by the UN, the US, South Korea and Japan. Monday's launch was just the latest in a long series of tests of North Korean missile technology, which experts say is likely to be improving with successive tests.
However, most believe the North is still some time away from being able to miniaturise nuclear warheads so they could fit onto a missile.
North Korea has repeatedly said its space programme is peaceful but it is believed to be developing an intercontinental ballistic missile that could strike the US.
Last month North Korea claimed it had successfully test-fired a new kind of ballistic missile in a launch supervised by leader Kim Jong-un.
It was the first test-firing since Donald Trump became the US president and was condemned by the UN, the US, South Korea and Japan.
Recent activity in the Tongchang-ri region, home to the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, has been a cause for concern for Japanese officials.Recent activity in the Tongchang-ri region, home to the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, has been a cause for concern for Japanese officials.
Screens have been set up in key areas at the site, probably to deter satellite surveillance, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency.Screens have been set up in key areas at the site, probably to deter satellite surveillance, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency.
North Korea has repeatedly said its space programme is peaceful but it is believed to be developing an intercontinental ballistic missile that could strike the US. On Sunday, South Korea said it would quadruple the reward it pays defectors from the North who share information that will help enhance security to $860,000 (£700,000).
It is also believed to be working to make nuclear warheads small enough to fit on a missile.