More North Korea Fireworks – Test Fire Four Short-Range Missiles

Yeah, North Korea actually test fired four short-range missiles with the big ICBM, Taepodong – 2 due to be launched on America’s Independence Day – like two years ago.

North Korea test-fired four short-range missiles on Thursday, further stoking tension in the region that was already high due to Pyongyang’s nuclear test and threats to boost its nuclear arsenal in response to UN sanctions.

The North, which often fires short-range missiles as part of military drills and usually times the launches for periods of diplomatic friction, was hit with UN sanctions following its May 25 nuclear test.

The salvo began with two surface-to-ship missiles fired off North Korea’s east coast between 5:20 p.m and 6 p.m. (0820-0900 GMT) that flew about 100 km (60 miles) and splashed into the sea, a South Korean defence official said.

A third short-range missile was fired around two hours later, the defence ministry said, and South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, citing officials in Seoul, later said a fourth had been fired.

North Korea last month warned shipping to keep away from a maritime zone extending 110 km off its east coast between June 25 and July 10, saying it was conducting a military drill.

“This activity is not unexpected,” said U.S. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman.

“North Korea continues to develop and pursue missile technologies and the United States continues to remain concerned about not only their missile activities but their proliferation activities and their nuclear programme.”

A South Korean daily said that the secretive North may also test fire mid-range missiles, viewed by the South, the United States and others as a more serious act, in a matter of days.

In the meantime, the Obama Administration is plodding along with United Nation’s sanctions, if enforced, will be treated as an act of war by the North Koreans.

Stay tuned for more fireworks from Kim Jong-Il.