South Korea has reported that North Korea test-fired two suspected cruise missiles Tuesday in its fifth round of weapons launches this month.

Military officials said the missiles were launched from an inland area, without specifying where, and landed in the East Sea.

"We still need to conduct a detailed analysis," one official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

The official stressed, however, should such a missile be launched southward, "our detection and interception systems have no problem countering it." 

North Korea has been increasing its testing activity recently amid international sanctions, pandemic-related difficulties and stalled negotiations with the United States.

Last Thursday, Pyongyang issued a veiled threat to resume the testing of nuclear devices and long-range ballistic missiles, which leader Kim Jong-un suspended in 2018 while initiating diplomacy with Washington.

Some experts say North Korea could further escalate weapons demonstrations once China, its main ally, finishes hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics.