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North Korea 'tests two missiles' North Korea 'tests two missiles'
(31 minutes later)
North Korea has tested two short-range missiles, South Korean media report, as concern mounts in the region that a long-range test could be days away.North Korea has tested two short-range missiles, South Korean media report, as concern mounts in the region that a long-range test could be days away.
It test-fired other similar missiles earlier this week and has incurred fresh UN sanctions since holding a second underground nuclear test in May. It test-fired other missiles earlier this week and has incurred fresh UN sanctions since holding a second underground nuclear test in May.
The latest missiles were fired from a base near Wonsan into the Sea of Japan, South Korea's defence ministry said.The latest missiles were fired from a base near Wonsan into the Sea of Japan, South Korea's defence ministry said.
They are believed to be Scuds with a range of 500km (312 miles).They are believed to be Scuds with a range of 500km (312 miles).
A South Korean defence official said Saturday's tests were of greater concern than Thursday's, as the missiles had a much greater range. Today's launches, which came on the eve of the US Independence Day, are believed to be aimed at political purposes Unnamed South Korean official
A South Korean defence official said Saturday's tests were of greater concern than Thursday's, as the missiles had longer ranges.
The BBC's John Sudworth in Seoul says the launches are seen there as part of North Korean efforts to ratchet up the tension.The BBC's John Sudworth in Seoul says the launches are seen there as part of North Korean efforts to ratchet up the tension.
"Thursday's missile tests were apparently made as part of a military drill but today's launches, which came on the eve of the US Independence Day, are believed to be aimed at political purposes," the official said.
Seoul 'ready'
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the missiles had been fired between 0800 (2300 GMT) and 0830.
"Our military is fully ready to counter any North Korean threats and provocations based on strong South Korea-US combined defence posture," the JCS said.
Japanese and South Korean media have reported that North Korea may be preparing to launch another long-range ballistic missile.Japanese and South Korean media have reported that North Korea may be preparing to launch another long-range ballistic missile.
There are fears that North Korea is trying to produce nuclear warheads small enough to put on missiles.There are fears that North Korea is trying to produce nuclear warheads small enough to put on missiles.
After six-nation talks aimed at curbing North Korea's nuclear ambitions broke down earlier this year, Pyongyang said it would "weaponise" its plutonium stocks and start enriching uranium for a light-water nuclear reactor.After six-nation talks aimed at curbing North Korea's nuclear ambitions broke down earlier this year, Pyongyang said it would "weaponise" its plutonium stocks and start enriching uranium for a light-water nuclear reactor.
On 12 June the UN Security Council approved a resolution allowing inspection of air, sea and land shipments in and out of North Korea suspected of carrying banned arms and weapons-related material.On 12 June the UN Security Council approved a resolution allowing inspection of air, sea and land shipments in and out of North Korea suspected of carrying banned arms and weapons-related material.
The North has said it will treat any interception of its ships as a declaration of war.The North has said it will treat any interception of its ships as a declaration of war.