(UDHAYAM, PYONGYANG) – North Korea has fired a short-range ballistic missile, the third apparently successful test in as many weeks.
The Scud flew about 450km (280 miles) before landing in Japanese waters, prompting Japan to lodge a protest.
Observers say the tests indicate the North is making progress towards missiles capable of carrying warheads.
The North has repeatedly defied the United Nations (UN) resolution banning all nuclear and missile activity, and has ramped up its tests in recent months.