North Korea fires seven missiles

South Korea says North Korea fired seven ballistic missiles off its eastern coast Saturday, a violation of U.N. resolutions and an apparent message of defiance to the United States on its Independence Day.

The launches, which came two days after North Korea fired what were believed to be four short-range cruise missiles, will likely further escalate tensions in the region as the U.S. tries to muster support for tough enforcement of the latest U.N. Security Council resolution imposed on the communist regime for its May nuclear test.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said three missiles were fired early Saturday, a fourth around noon and three more in the afternoon.

The Defense Ministry said the missiles were ballistic and are believed to have flown more than 250 miles (400 kilometers).