North Korea's recent tests of short-range missiles were successful launches of an advanced weapon that can be fired at short notice to strike targets in South Korea, the commander of U.S. Forces Korea said on Monday.

North Korea tested at least three short-range missiles over the past month, with the latest test last week coming as U.N. nuclear inspectors were in the country as a part of a disarmament deal.

"These (missiles) are modern, solid-fuel, which means that they are easy to handle and rapidly capable of being fired," said U.S. General B.B. Bell.

"These were not failure missile tests. These were successful tests," Bell told a seminar in Seoul.