Despite repeated warnings   from the international community, North Korea has test-fired at least six missiles. The missiles were launched on Wednesday morning at 3:30 a.m. local time and included a long-range Taepodong-2 missile, which is thought to be capable of reaching the United States. Due to the time difference -- North Korea is located on the other side of the international dateline -- the launch symbolically took place on July 4th, America's independence day, a day generally associated with less nefarious fireworks.

According to US officials, the Taepodong missile failed just 42 seconds after take-off, while the others fell into the Sea of Japan. The remaining missiles also allegedly failed.

Washington and Seoul have both criticized the tests, calling them "provocative," while Japan has demanded an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The Japanese and South Korean militaries are on high alert and share prices have fallen in both countries.

Washington warned North Korea against further provocation. "The United States strongly condemns these missile launches and North Korea's unwillingness to heed calls for restraint from the international community," said White House spokesman Tony Snow. He said the launches "demonstrate North Korea's intent to intimidate other states," and added that Washington would take the necessary steps to protect itself and its allies.

An urgent round of diplomacy looks set to begin, with the United Nations Security Council meeting Wednesday. US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill is also being dispatched to the region and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is seeking talks with South Korea, Japan, China and Russia.

Japan is considering imposing economic sanctions against North Korea and has already banned a ferry between the two countries.

According to officials in neighboring South Korea, the North Korean tested six missiles -- short range Scud missiles, mid-range Rodong missiles and the Taepodong-2. South Korea has previously opposed imposing sanctions on its unpredictable neighbor but had also said it would consider cutting food aid if Pyongyang went ahead with tests.

The tests, which came as the United States was celebrating Independence Day and launched the Discovery space shuttle appeared timed to draw the most attention from Washington. Paik Hak-soon of the Seoul-based Sejong Institute told Associated Press, "Timing the launch date on July 4 is an attempt to apply maximum pressure on the US government."

Long-running talks over North Korea's nuclear program  had stalled with six-part negotiations being repeatedly postponed. Analysts believe Pyongyang wants to steer attention back to itself now that Washington has started to worry about Iran's nuclear ambitions. North Korea admitted in 2002 that it was developing a nuclear weapons program.