North Korea fires at least 2 ballistic missiles, its third test in two weeks

[TOKYO] North Korea fired at least two ballistic missiles on Friday, its third test in two weeks, just hours after criticising a US push for new sanctions over the previous launches as a "provocation" and warning of a strong reaction.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it had detected what it presumed were two short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) launched eastward from North Pyongan Province on the west coast of North Korea, near the border with China.

Japan's coast guard also reported that the North fired what could be a ballistic missile.

The missiles appeared to have landed in the sea outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, broadcaster NHK reported, citing an unnamed Japanese defence ministry official.

"The actions of North Korea, including the repeated ballistic missile launches, are a threat to the safety of our nation and the region, and they are an important issue for all of international society," Hirokazu Matsuno, Japan's chief cabinet secretary, told a regular news conference.

The incident comes after North Korea this month conducted two tests of a new hypersonic missile system designed to evade US-operated interceptors.

North Korea said the recent tests of its hypersonic system were part of its "legitimate right" to enhance its self-defence.

REUTERS, BLOOMBERG