North Korea fired three short-range missiles from its east coast on Saturday, but the purpose of the launches was unknown.

South Korea's defence ministry would not speculate whether the latest launches were part of a test or training exercise. Tension on the Korean peninsula has subsided in the past month after running high for several weeks following the imposition of tougher UN sanctions against Pyongyang following its third nuclear test in February.

The North had for weeks issued nearly daily warnings of nuclear war with the South and the US.

■NORTH KOREA