N. Korea fires two ballistic missiles into East Sea

TOKYO, Sept 15 (KUNA) -- North Korea fired what appeared to be two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan (East Sea) on Wednesday afternoon, Japanese and South Korean governments said.
The missiles believed to have fallen into waters outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters.
"North Korea's missile launches threatened the peace and security of Japan and the region. We harshly protest and strongly condemn the act, which is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions," said Suga, adding that the government will step up its vigilance and surveillance.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said Pyongyang fired two ballistic missiles from central inland areas of the North, and the South Korean and the US intelligence authorities are analyzing details for additional information, according to Seoul's Yonhap News Agency.
Further details were not immediately available, such as exactly where the missiles were fired and their flight range.
The latest test is the second ballistic missile launch by the North so far this year, and the fifth known major weapons test if those involving cruise missiles are taken into account.
It also came just three days after the North test-fired a new type of long-range cruise missile. Under the U.N. Security Council resolutions, North Korea is banned from all ballistic missile activity. (end) mk.aa