(LEAD) N. Korea fires off 3 ballistic missiles: JCS

(ATTN: ADDS possible reason behind North Korea's missile launch in lead para, background in paras 2-3)

SEOUL, July 19 (Yonhap) -- North Korea fired off three ballistic missiles Tuesday morning following South Korea's recent decision to deploy an advanced U.S. antimissile system in the country, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

The latest launch is thought to be part of Pyongyang's angry response to the July 8 decision by Seoul and Washington to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system here by the end of 2017 to deal with the ever-growing nuclear and missile threats from the North.

It is the latest in a recent series of missile provocations, including the firing of a submarine-launched ballistic missile earlier this month.

The missiles, presumed to be Scud-types, were launched from North Hwanghae Province and flew some 500 to 600 kilometers, the military said. It said the missiles were launched between 5:45 a.m. and 6:05 a.m.

The range is enough to reach all of South Korea, the JCS said, adding that South Korea's military is keeping close tabs on the North.

colin@yna.co.kr

kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
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