North Korea fired four projectiles believed to be short-range ballistic missiles off its southeast coast Thursday, a South Korean defense ministry official said.

The projectiles were fired from the Gitdaeryeong area on the North's southeastern coast toward the waters beginning at 5:42 p.m., the official said.

The projectile is believed to have a range of more than 200 kilometers, the official said.

South Korea's military has strengthened vigilance against possible provocations, the official said. (Yonhap)


cheesuk@heraldcorp.com