North Korea is highly likely to test-fire a barrage of missiles in coming days, a news report said Thursday, a move that would aggravate the already high tensions following Pyongyang's nuclear test and U.N. sanctions. The North is expected to launch short- or medium-range missiles, including banned ballistic rockets, from two sites on its east coast in early July. Last month, Pyongyang designated a no-sail zone off its east coast for military drills through July 10. Media reports have said the missile launches could come around July 4, the U.S. Independence Day. The North tested a long-range missile on that day in 2006. New missile launches would seriously exacerbate the tensions running high since Pyongyang's May 25 underground nuclear test and a series of missile firings. The U.N. Security Council adopted a tough sanctions resolution last month to punish the communist regime.