North Korea test-fired two ballistic missiles on Wednesday, as US President Barack Obama hosted a landmark Japan-South Korea summit and pledged “unwavering commitment” to Tokyo and Seoul’s security concerns in the face of Pyongyang’s nuclear threat.
South Korea’s defence ministry said both missiles flew 650 kilometers into the Sea of Japan, upping the ante after a series of short-range missile and rocket launches by the North in recent weeks.
A ministry spokesman said the missiles were believed to be Rodong variants, which are considered medium-range at their maximum reach of between 1,000 and 1,500 kilometers.
UN Security Council resolutions prohibit North Korea from conducting any ballistic missile tests. Over the past four weeks, North Korea has conducted multiple launches of short-range Scud missiles and rockets to coincide with the annual joint military drills South Korea is conducting with the United States.
The Scuds are at the longer edge of the short-range spectrum, with an estimated reach of 300-800 kilometers — capable of striking any target in the South.