North Korea fires rockets into sea hours after UN vote

South Korea is analysing the type of missile fired by the North Credit: Reuters

North Korea has fired short-range missiles into the sea - in what appears to be retaliation to new UN sanctions.

The six rockets were aimed towards the Sea of Japan and launched around 10am local time (01:00 GMT), according to South Korea's Defence Ministry.

It comes just hours after the UN Security Council voted unanimously in favour of imposing some of the strictest sanctions in two decades against the self-styled socialist state.

New measures were invoked following Pyongyang's recent nuclear test and rocket launch - believed to be a long-range ballistic missile exercise.

  • Short-range missiles fired into sea

The South Korean defence ministry announced on Thursday that their northern neighbours had fired its latest rocket - believed to be a short-range missile - at approximately 10am local time.

According to spokesperson Moon Sang-gyun, the missiles were fired from near Wonsan, on North Korea's east coast, and travelled 60-90 miles towards the Sea of Japan.

Now the South Koreans are investigating what type of missiles were fired and their range.

Such a launch by the regime of Kim Jong-un violates existing sanctions.

  • Strictest sanctions imposed on North Korea in two decades

The UN Security Council has imposed strict new sanctions on North Korea Credit: Reuters

While North Korea has not responded officially to the Security Council's new resolution, the latest missile launch is believed to be in retaliation.

The Council adopted the sanctions on Wednesday after North Korea appeared to carry out a long-range ballistic missile test.

Some of the strictest sanctions in two decades are now in place.

A North Korean public relations official at the country's mission at the UN said his country would not recognise any "illegal" resolution by the Security Council.

  • Japan hopes to send a clear message to Pyongyang

The abduction of Japanese nationals is a top priority for its government Credit: Reuters

North Korea has previously carried out live firing near or across its borders when facing international condemnation.

Meanwhile Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pledged to strictly impose the sanctions on North Korea, while demanding Pyongyang resolve various outstanding issues.

Abe described the resolution as sending a clear message to North Korea, adding that the abductions of Japanese nationals in the country is a top priority for his government.

Following the North's latest rocket launch, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said his country remains secure, but that the government will keep a close eye on developments.

  • Raft of measures against North Korea

UN member states must now inspect all cargo to and from North Korea Credit: Reuters

Among the new measures, UN member states must now inspect all cargo to and from North Korea.

Asset freezes on North Korean funds have been imposed, while it is now harder for foreign financial institutions to open on the peninsula and North Korean banks to expand abroad.

Also banned is:

  • The export of coal, iron and iron ore used for North Korea's nuclear or ballistic missile programmes.

  • All gold, titanium ore, vanadium ore, rare earth minerals and aviation fuel exports.

  • Any item (except food and medicine) that could develop North Korea's armed forces.

  • Small arms and light weapons are now included in an arms embargo.

  • Upmarket watches, watercraft, snowmobiles and other recreational sports equipment added to a ban on luxury goods.

  • No vessels or airplanes can be leased or registered to North Korea.