Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Officials: North Korea Fires Two Missiles

By VOA News
08 March 2006

Reports from the region indicate that North Korea has fired two missiles near its border with China, although they differ on whether the missiles were launched as a test or by mistake.

Japanese news agencies cite what they call "Western military sources" as saying the short-range missiles were test-fired in an easterly direction toward the Sea of Japan.

U.S. officials say they have seen the reports of the missile test. White House and State Department spokesmen said North Korea's missile program is a concern that poses a threat to the region and the international community.

North Korea has offered no public information about the missile launches.

Officials in South Korea who monitor the North say they do not have any information on the reported launches.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.