TOKYO, July 4: North Korea test launched three missiles early on Wednesday morning (Tuesday night in Pakistan) that landed in the Sea of Japan. North Korea launched a missile at 0332 Japan Time (11.32pm PST) and it crashed into the Sea of Japan several minutes later, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported.

The NHK said Japanese government officials believed the missile was not a long-range ballistic missile that had been readied for launch recently.

North Korea had been believed to be preparing a test launch of its Taepodong 2 missile, which is believed able to reach parts of the United States.

In the United States, North American Aerospace Defence Command spokesman Mike Kucharek referred questions to the White House and the State Department.—Agencies