North Korea Test-Fires Two Short-range Missiles

The missiles launched Tuesday were short range, with a maximum range of 80 miles. They were surface-to-ship and surface-to-air missiles, according to an unnamed South Korean official, who spoke to the NY Times on condition of anonymity.

South Korea's coast guard added that Pyongyang has warned ships to stay away from waters off its western coast this week, a possible sign the country may be preparing for more missile tests.

While the question of "why" circulates, some analysts are saying this is all in preparation for a possible succession, and that both the nuclear test and the missile tests are designed to bolster the spirits and confidence of North Koreans.

Yoon Deok-min, a senior researcher at the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security, a research organization in South Korea said:

"Kim Jong-il wants to show that he has given his nation mighty nuclear power. This test was absolutely a domestic demonstration."