US confirms N. Korean missile launches, identifies one as Rodong missile

The U.S. Strategic Command on Monday confirmed North Korea's launch of three ballistic missiles, saying two of them were short-range Scud missiles and the third was a Rodong intermediate-range missile.

"U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) systems detected and tracked what we assess were three North Korean missile launches," the command said in a statement. "The near back-to-back launch of two presumed Scud tactical ballistic missiles, followed by the presumed launch of a No Dong (Rodong) intermediate-range ballistic missile approximately an hour later, occurred near Hwangju."

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) determined the missile launches from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America, the statement said.

on missile defense and alleviate health concerns expressed by locals. Local police are reviewing whether such offenses against the prime minister are chargeable. (Yonhap)