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North Korea fired two cruise missiles today, AFP reported, citing the South Korean Defense Ministry.

The agency noted that this ends a month-long lull following a record series of weapons tests carried out by Pyongyang this year.

"North Korea fired two cruise missiles in the direction of the Yellow Sea from Onchon (county) in South Pyongan province," a South Korean defense ministry official told AFP.

He added that "US and South Korean military authorities are analyzing the details, such as the distance of the flight."

North Korea has fired rocket launchers

North Korea has not tested cruise missiles since January, the Yonhap news agency said, noting that this type of missile is not prohibited by current UN sanctions.

Pyongyang last tested weapons on July 10 - apparently rocket launchers. 

Since January, North Korea has conducted a series of weapons tests, in some cases violating existing sanctions, most notably when it fired an intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time since 2017. In addition, according to Seoul and Washington, Kim Jong-un's regime may soon conduct a seventh nuclear test .

Earlier this week, the South Korean and US armed forces began preliminary exercises ahead of their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint maneuvers.

North Korea condemns these exercises, which it sees as a rehearsal for an invasion of its territory. 

North Korea

rockets fired