North Korea launches 30 rockets

North Korea has launched 30 short-range rockets into the sea off South Korea’s east coast, Seoul has said.

It is the latest in a series of apparent protests against ongoing US-South Korean military drills.

Analysts say the impoverished North is angry about the annual drills because it has to spend precious resources responding with its own exercises. Pyongyang claims the allies’ drills are invasion preparation.

Major Kim Nam-wook of the South Korean defence ministry says the rockets flew about 37 miles early this morning. North Korea last year responded to the drills with threats of nuclear war against the South and the United States.

It has toned down its rhetoric this year. Analysts say that is because it believes better ties with Seoul might win it much-needed aid and outside investment.