NKorea test-fires submarine-launched missile: SKorea

SEOUL (AA) – North Korea test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile Wednesday, according to Seoul in what its military described as a response to ongoing military drills between South Korea and the United States.

According to the South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the missile was launched from waters near the North Korean port city of Sinpo on the East Sea -- also known as the Sea of Japan -- at around 5.30 a.m. (2030GMT Tuesday).

It reportedly traveled around 500 kilometers (310 miles) before landing in waters under Japan's air defense identification zone.

Local news agency Yonhap quoted the JCS as saying that the launch “seemed to be aimed at raising military tension in response to the Seoul-Washington military drill".

"We will sternly and strongly respond to any provocation by North Korea," it said, reiterating that the move is a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Earlier this month, the North successfully test-fired a mid-range ballistic missile into open water, while a second projectile exploded upon being launched.

The last reported test of missiles launched from submarines occurred last month, when it appeared to botch an attempt that came within three months of its previous such test failure.