South Korean officials: North Korea test-fired 2 short-range missiles

3/30/2012
ASSOCIATED PRESS

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean officials say North Korea test-fired two short-range missiles this week from its west coast.

Two Defense Ministry officials said Friday that the testing took place Wednesday. The launches came one day after South Korea hosted a nuclear security summit of nearly 60 world leaders in Seoul.

The officials wouldn’t comment on what the timing of the launches may have meant. Both spoke on condition of anonymity citing department policy.

North Korea regularly conducts short-range missile tests. The latest came as North Korea prepares to launch a long-range rocket next month from its west coast.

North Korea says it aims to put a satellite in orbit. U.S. and South Korean officials see the launch as a cover for testing long-range missile technology.