The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) appears to be preparing to fire short-range missiles on its west coast, a day after it tested a nuclear device and missiles in the east, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported on Tuesday citing a South Korean defense source.

The country has banned ships from the waters off its west coast and could launch what appears to be "KN-01" anti-ship cruise missiles either Tuesday or Wednesday, the source said.

"The ban on sailing is in effect from May 25 to 27," the source said, adding "it's likely that North Korea (DPRK) will fire short- range missiles either today or tomorrow."

On Monday, the DPRK fired three short-range missiles on its east coast hours after it announced it "successfully" conducted its second atomic test to boost the might of its nuclear weapons.

KN-01 missiles, upgraded from Silkworms, have an estimated range of up to 160 kilometers, Yonhap said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2009)