N Korea launched five missiles last week: Report

SEOUL: North Korea launched five short-range missiles during military exercises last week, a news report said on Monday.

The missiles presumably had ranges between 10 and 50 kilometers (six and 30 miles), said Chosun Ilbo, South Korea's largest circulation newspaper, quoting an unnamed official.

"North Korea last week fired five ground-to-air and air-to-groud missiles from its west training range," the official told Chosun. South Korea's defense ministry declined to comment on the report.

The official said the launch seemed part of annual military training but that it was "rare" for North Korea to fire as many as five missiles.

North Korea has faced mounting international pressure following its first nuclear test on October 9, which led to sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council.

North Korea said the sanctions, including financial curbs and inspections on cargo in and out of the communist state, were tantamount to a "declaration of war."

South Korean media reported Saturday that suspcious vehicle and personnel activities were spotted again at North Korea's northeastern rugged area where the first nuclear test is believed to have taken place.

North Korea has medium-and longer-range ballistic missiles, believed to be capable of reaching part of the United States.