3 Jul 2009

North Korea fires more missiles

6:14 am on 3 July 2009

Four short-range missiles have been test-fired by North Korea.

The salvo began with two surface-to-ship missiles fired off the east coast between 5:20pm - 6pm (0820-0900 GMT) on Thursday. South Korea's defence ministry said they flew about 100km.

A third short-range missile was fired around two hours later. The Yonhap news agency later reported a fourth had been fired.

North Korea last month warned shipping to keep away from a maritime zone extending 110 km off its east coast between 25 June - 10 July, saying it was conducting a military drill.

North Korea is already under UN sanctions following a nuclear test on 25 May. The test was followed by a barrage of short-range missiles. A previous test was held in October 2006.