India, Jan. 28 -- North Korea launched short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Tuesday, according to its neighbours, as the North heightens animosities with rival South Korea ahead of a major political meeting.

South Korea's military said it detected liftoffs of several ballistic missiles from an area northeast of the North Korean Capital, Pyongyang, before the missiles each flew about 350 kilometres (217 miles). Japan's Defence Ministry said two ballistic missiles launched from North Korea landed off the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula. The ministry condemned the launches as a threat to the peace of Japan, the region and the international community.

South Korea's military said it maintains a firm readiness to ...