The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) test-fired four short-range missiles yesterday, the Republic of Korea's (ROK) Defense Ministry said, a move that aggravates already high tensions following Pyongyang's recent nuclear test and UN sanctions imposed as punishment.

Two ground-to-ship missiles were fired from the eastern coastal city of Wonsan in the afternoon, a ministry official said on condition of anonymity, citing department policy.

Two more missiles were fired from the east coast, but the site and the type of rocket were not immediately known, the official said.