DPRK test-fires three scud missiles

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The Republic of Korea's Yonhap news agency is reporting that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has test-fired three mid-range missiles off its eastern coast of Wonsan. The launches are further rattling regional tensions after the DPRK's nuclear tests.

South Koreans watch a television broadcasting an undated image  of a missile launch by North Korea at the Seoul Railway Station  in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, July 4, 2009. North Korea fired  three missiles off its eastern coast Saturday, South Korea said,  in what was likely to be seen as a message of defiance to the  United States on its Independence Day holiday. The letters on  the screen read 'Need one week to launch long-range missiles.(AP  Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

A South Korean government official said the DPRK fired the missiles on Saturday morning. The launches appeared to be of scud missiles with an estimated range of about 500 kilometers. The missile firing came just two days after the DPRK test-fired four short-range missiles off its eastern coast.

South Korean officials says the missile launch on Thursday appeared to be part of routine military drills. But they say Saturday's launch seems to have a political purpose attached since it coincides with the July 4th Independence Day holiday.. in the United States.