The government says North Korea is believed to have test-fired six missiles early Wednesday morning.

Presidential senior secretary for security policy, Suh Choo-suk, said in a statement that the North launched one long-range Daepodong Two missile and five Scud or Rodong missiles toward the East Sea between 3:32 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Suh said the six missiles were launched from the east coast provinces of North Hamgyeong and Gangwon including a Taepodong Two missile that apparently failed.

Suh said the government is continuously assessing details surrounding the missile tests.

The government believes that North Korea's latest move is to show off its nuclear capabilities after Washington refused the North's offer for bilateral talks to discuss U.S. financial sanctions on the communist state.

The missile launch is also seen to bolster the North's domestic solidarity before the 12th anniversary of North Korean founder Kim Il-sung's death on Saturday