North Korea may have tested dummy missiles at its Sinpo South Shipyard along its east coast recently, Washington-based website 38 North said Wednesday, citing commercial satellite images. The group monitors North Korea.

Four unidentified objects were lined up next to the ejection pad, and the service tower on the pad looked operational, with vehicles lined up next to it. The images suggested the North tested dummy missiles, the group said.

But the group was unsure whether Pyongyang had completed the testing or was planning to do more tests.

A day earlier, the US Congressional Research Service said the North continued to pose security challenges with its nuclear and missile programs. In its latest report, the US Congress think tank called the North a rogue regime that sponsors terrorism, carries out outlawed actions and engages in reckless rhetoric.

The US will sustain its efforts to deter and counter the isolated country, the report added.

By Choi Si-young (siyoungchoi@heraldcorp.com)