North Korea criticised after fourth round of missile testing in a week

A TV screen in a rail station in Seoul, South Korea, shows a news programme reporting the missile launch (Lee Jin-man/AP/PA)

North Korea test-fired two short-range ballistic missiles on Saturday, neighbouring countries said, the fourth round this week of weapons launches that prompted quick, strong condemnation from its rivals.

In an unusually strong rebuke, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said North Korea’s “obsession” with nuclear weapons is deepening the suffering of its own people and warned of an “overwhelming response” from South Korean and US officials should such weapons be used.