North Korea fires 4 banned missiles into ocean

SEOUL, South Korea -- The White House is responding this morning after North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the waters off its east coast.

A State Department spokesman said the United States strongly condemns the launch, which violates a resolution by the UN Security Council banning North Korea's use of ballistic missile technology.

Officials said more than one missile was launched in North Korea's latest action, with Japanese officials saying as many as four ballistic missiles were involved.

ORIGINAL REPORT: South Korea says North Korea fired projectile into ocean

South Korea: North Korea fired several banned ballistic missiles that flew about 1,000 km into ocean off its east coast.

While the missile launch did not pose a threat to North America, the State Department said the provocations threaten international peace and stability.

The launch comes days after Seoul and Washington started massive joint military drills.

South Korea's military reported the missiles hit the waters off the North's east coast.

Pyongyang has staged a series of missile test-launches of various range in recent months. Leader Kim Jong Un is pushing for a nuclear and missile program that can deter what he calls U.S. and South Korean hostility toward the North.

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The South's Joint Chief of Staff said in a statement that Monday's launch was made in the Tongchang-ri area in North Pyongan province. The area is the home of the North's Seohae Satellite Station, where it has conducted prohibited long-range rocket launches in recent years.