U.S. "condemns violation of U.N. Security Council resolution" on North Korea missile launch just before presidential election

The U.S. State Department condemned North Korea's series of ballistic missiles six hours before the start of the presidential election and said it would closely consult with allies on its response.

A U.S. State Department spokesman condemned North Korea's ballistic missile launch this morning (5th), saying, "This and last week's ICBM launches are in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions."

"This poses a threat to international peace and security and undermines the non-proliferation regime," he said.

"We will closely consult with our allies and partners on how to deter North Korea's attacks and coordinate international responses to North Korea's violation of UN Security Council resolutions," he said.

A State Department spokesman also added, "Our commitment to defending South Korea and Japan is ironclad."