North Korea fired at least two ballistic missiles on Friday, its third test in less than two weeks, just hours after criticising a US push for new sanctions over the previous launches as a “provocation” and warning of a strong reaction.

South Korea’s National Security Council held an emergency meeting and expressed “strong regret” over the test and called on Pyongyang to return to talks. “It emphasised that North Korea’s series of missile tests are not helpful for stabilising the situation.”