The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed Monday that the five projectiles North Korea fired earlier in the day were short-range ballistic missiles, denouncing the launches as a clear violation of U.N. resolutions.

"We are aware that the DPRK launched five short-range ballistic missiles today. We closely monitor North Korean military activities and the situation on the Korean Peninsula," Pentagon spokesman Cmdr. Bill Urban told Yonhap News Agency.

"Launches using ballistic missile technology are a clear violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. We call on North Korea to refrain from actions that further raise tensions in the region and focus instead on taking concrete steps toward fulfilling its international commitments and obligations," he said.

The U.S. military remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and will continue to work closely with and in defense of its allies to maintain security in the region, the spokesman said.

Earlier in the day, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the North fired the missiles into the East Sea. The launches were the latest in a series of provocations the North has undertaken as South Korea and the U.S. have conducted annual military drills Pyongyang has branded as a rehearsal for invasion.

On Friday, the North also fired two medium-range Rodong missiles, prompting the U.N. Security Council to hold an emergency meeting and issue a statement condemning the firings as a violation of Security Council resolutions banning Pyongyang from any ballistic activity. (Yonhap)