1 August
North Korea's state-run media says the country's leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the testing of a new type of "large-caliber multiple launch guided rocket system."
The media report says that Kim was satisfied with the results and that the system would strengthen North Korea's fighting capability.
South Korean officials say the launch happened early Wednesday morning near the eastern city of Wonsan and that the projectiles flew about 250 kilometers.
South Korea's defense minister strongly criticized the launch, saying "If the North threatens and provokes us, its regime and military should be regarded as an enemy."
But the US National Security advisor downplayed the launch during an interview with Fox.
US National Security Advisor John Bolton said, "The firing of these missiles don't violate the pledge that Kim Jong Un made to the president about intercontinental-range ballistic missiles."
Wednesday's launch is the second in the past week.
Last Thursday, the North test-fired a pair of short-range ballistic missiles from the same area.
Pyongyang claimed those missiles were a new type of tactical guided weapon and served as a warning over a planned joint-military drill between South Korea and US.
The UN Security Council is set to meet on Thursday to discuss the launches.
NHK
