Seoul  - North Korea appears to be preparing a new series of missile tests, including short-range ballistic and ground-to-ship rockets, a South Korean newspaper reported Thursday.

The ballistic missiles are believed to be Scud-B missiles with a range of 340 kilometres or Rodong rockets, whose 1,300-kilometre range was likely to be shortened to
400 kilometres for the upcoming tests, the JoongAng Ilbo said, citing an unnamed intelligence source.

It appeared that North Korea might conduct the tests within days from two launch sites on its east coast, the source said after North Korea had warned ships to stay clear of the area.

A new spate of rocket launches was likely to heighten tensions in the region, which have been on the rise this year because of a nuclear test, missile launches and threats from Pyongyang.

North Korea conducted the nuclear test, its second, on May 25, after which it launched a series of short-range missiles. In April, it launched what it said was a satellite, but its neighbours and the United States said it was a test for a long-range missile that potentially could hit the western US.

The international community condemned the test and launches, and in response, the UN Security Council approved a resolution last month that allows UN members to stop and board ships and aircraft suspected of carrying weapons-related material to and from North Korea.

In return, North Korea said it would step up its defences.

South Korea said North Korea last month barred ships from off parts of its east coast because of a military exercise. The ban is in effect until July 10. Japan said it was also informed of it.

Observers said they saw the ban as potential preparations for new missile tests.(dpa)