North Korea fires more missiles
North Korea has lashed out at the US and reportedly launched three more short-range missiles as the United Nations debated possible new sanctions against the country.
North Korea test-fired three short-range missiles on Tuesday, including one at night, from the east coast city of Hamhung.
South Korea's spy chief said two other missiles were launched on Monday.
North Korea also warned ships to stay away from the waters off its west coast until Wednesday, suggesting more test flights.
The missile launches came as leaders around the world condemned North Korea for Monday's underground nuclear test. Retaliatory options were limited, however, and no-one was talking publicly about military action.
Russian defence chiefs said the underground blast was about as strong as the bombs dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the Second World War and was stronger than North Korea's first test in 2006.
In New York, diplomats said key nations were discussing a UN Security Council resolution that could include new sanctions against North Korea.
Ambassadors from the five permanent veto-wielding council members -- the US, Russia, China, Britain and France -- as well as Japan and South Korea were expected to meet later, the diplomats said.
The security council met in emergency session on Monday and condemned North Korea's nuclear test. Council members said they would follow up with a new legally-binding resolution.
France has demanded sanctions, but it is too early to say what those sanctions might be or whether China and Russia, both close allies of North Korea, would go along with them. In an unusual step, China strongly reproached its close ally.
