North Korea fired two warheads from the east coast this afternoon during the 13th weapons test of the year.

Two bullets were launched from Yeonpo launch site in South Hamgyong province, eastern North Korea at 16:59 today and fell into the sea of Japan, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Joint Forces Korea (JCS). The type and range of these two missiles is unknown.

A defense ministry source said Pyongyang appears to have launched two ballistic missiles, neither flying into airspace or falling into Tokyo's exclusive economic zone.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called North Korea's missile launches a "serious challenge" to the international community. "We will maintain close contact with the US, South Korea and other countries to monitor the situation," Prime Minister Abe said.

This is North Korea's 13th missile test this year, taking place amidst talks between Pyongyang and Washington have not made progress. The latest test took place on October 31 when the country fired two super-large jet artillery shells toward the Sea of Japan.

Pyongyang has repeatedly accused Washington of inappropriate approaches and threatens relations between the two countries "that could end immediately". North Korea has warned it will not hold new talks with the United States until Washington abandons its hostile policy towards Pyongyang.

South Hamgyong Province (red) of North Korea. Graphics: Wikipedia.