North Korea fires five short-range missiles into Sea of Japan amid escalating nuclear tensions

Three days ago, North Korea launched its first medium-range missile since 2014

(File Photo) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, watching a ballistic missile launch drill in an undisclosed location (EPA)

North Korea has fired five unidentified projectiles into the sea amid heightened tension over the isolated country's nuclear and rocket programmes.

According to the Yonhap news agency, a missle and four-short-range projectiles were fired from the south of the country about 120 miles into the Sea of Japan.

The latest launch comes three days after South Korea claimed the North had fired a medium-range missile into the sea for the first time since 2014.

A South Korean government source said its military was trying to find out what types of missiles and payloads were fired.

The launches come after North Korea denounced annual US-South Korea military drills which it sees as a rehearsal for invading the North.

Earlier this month, the United Nation had voted in favour of the strictest sanctions yet against the communist regime after North Korea claimed to have tested a hydrogen bomb.

Hours after the UN's decision, North Korea launched short-range projectiles into the Sea of Japan.

The communist regime had performed similar missile tests earlier this month, hours after the UN voted for new stricter sanctions.

Kim Jong Un has said the country will soon test a nuclear warhead and ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads in what would be a direct violation of U.N. resolutions that have the backing of Pyongyang's chief ally, China.

Additional reporting by Reuters