North Korea fires ballistic missiles into Sea of Japan, US confirms

The launch came days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered tests of a nuclear warhead and ballistic missiles capable of carrying warheads.

North Korea had also said it succeeded in a simulated test of a re-entry vehicle aimed at returning a nuclear warhead safely back to the atmosphere from space during a missile launch.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said the agency is "closely monitoring" the situation. READ MORE