North Korea fires third test missile

Tensions are higher today in the Pacific as North Korea launched a number of short-range test missiles. South Korean agencies are now reporting the North has fired three missiles today.

The report of the third missile comes from an anonymous South Korean defense ministry official. He says North Korea fired a third test missile at 7:50 p.m. local time or 1050 GMT. This comes after earlier reports that the North fired two surface-to-ship missiles between 5:20 and 6 p.m. local time, or 0820 and 0900 GMT. Details about the third launch are still unavailable, but the first two missiles flew about 60 miles, or 100 km, and dropped into the sea, according to Reuters. Another missile launch, this one a mid-range missile, could come within days. North Korea has faced tougher sanctions from the United Nations since it tested a nuclear warhead in May. The United States says it is stepping up anti-proliferation efforts against North Korea.