WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Earlier on Monday, the South Korean, Japanese and US militaries detected two missiles fired from North Korea’s eastern coast.
"The United States condemns these provocative actions," Earnest told reporters.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracked both missiles over the Sea of Japan and determined they pose no threat to the mainland United States, Earnest explained.
Earnest noted that Pyongyang’s actions strengthen the international community’s resolve to force North Korea to comply with its nuclear and ballistic missile obligations.
Tensions over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs escalated after Pyongyang said on January 6 that it had successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test and put a satellite into orbit on February 7.
The moves violated UN Security Council resolutions, and prompted the United Nations to impose additional sanctions on North Korea.
