North Korea fires ‘multiple rocket launchers,’ says Seoul

North Korea fired multiple rocket launchers, Seoul says, the latest in a series of provocations by the nuclear-armed nation to heighten tensions in the region.

Pyongyang launched a string of banned weaponry this year and tested what it claimed were components of a “reconnaissance satellite” — although Seoul and Washington have described them as a new ICBM system.

“There were shots suspected to be from North Korea’s multiple rocket launchers this morning,” says the South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff in a text message to reporters. “Our military is maintaining our defense readiness while closely following related developments,” it adds, without further detail.

Four shots were fired into the western waters during a span of an hour from 7:20 am from an unspecified location in South Pyongan province, Yonhap news agency reports citing unnamed officials.

The intention of the firing was being evaluated, the report adds.