INTERNATIONAL: Japan's chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno has announced on Friday, after North Korea fired at least two ballistic missiles, it launched a serious issue for the international community, it threatens regional peace and security.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) have said it had detected what it presumed were two short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs). Japan's coast guard also reported that the North fired what could be a ballistic missile. The missiles have appeared to have landed in the sea outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, citing an unnamed Japanese defense ministry official.

The third test in two weeks came just hours after North Korea has criticized a U.S. push for new sanctions and has warned of a strong reaction.

The launch would be the third since New Year's day, an unusually high pace of missile tests. The previous two were of "hypersonic missiles," North Korean state media has reported, capable of high speeds and maneuvering after launch.