N. Korea test-fires short-range missiles

AFP
December 19, 2011

North Korea test-fired two short-range missiles off its east coast on Monday, the same day it announced the death of leader Kim Jong-Il, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said.

The agency quoted an unnamed government official as saying the launches were unrelated to the announcement that Kim had died Saturday of a heart attack.

“The missiles are estimated to have a range of about 120 kilometres (72 miles),” the official said on condition of anonymity.

“We believe the North test-fired the missiles to try to improve their capabilities and range. We don’t see this as more than test-firing.”