SEOUL, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- South Korea confirms the North test fired a ground-to-ship missile Monday into international waters between the Korean peninsula and Japan.
The South, however, downplayed the significance, saying it was part of routine training.
"North Korea launched an anti-ship missile off its east coast this afternoon," said a spokesman of the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "The missile test is seen as part of its annual military exercise."
The official declined to comment on the timing of the launch and the type of missile involved.
"We judged the missile was the same type as was test-fired earlier this year," he said.
North Korea test-fired two short-range, anti-ship missiles in February and March. The homegrown cruise missile has an estimated range of up to 160 kilometers, according to military source.
The U.S. military recently boosted its deterrence against North Korea by deploying unmanned spy planes and upgrading its missile-defense capabilities in South Korea.
