North Korean leader Kim Jong Un
North Korean leader Kim Jong UnAFP file

North Korea has moved more intermediate range missiles to its east coast, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency has reported. According to Fox News, United States officials have confirmed the report.

The missiles were pointed toward the United States just days after North Korea threatened a “merciless” nuclear military strike on the U.S. North Korea's leaders have also threatened neighboring South Korea.

South Korean Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin said the missiles are not capable of hitting the U.S. mainland. Some reports had claimed the missiles were long-range KN-08s which could hit America’s west coast.

Mid-range missiles could threaten the U.S. territory of Guam.

Kim said he did not know why the missiles were moved, but speculated that it “could be for testing or drills.”

United Nations chief Ban Ki-Moon warned earlier this week that the Korean crisis could spin out of control. “Nuclear threats are not a game,” he warned.