Photo provided by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 2, 2016 shows the test site of new-type anti-air guided rockets in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). (Xinhua/KCNA)

UNITED NATIONS, April 15-- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Friday strongly condemned the firing of a ballistic missile by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) earlier in the day.

"Although the DPRK's ballistic missile launch was a failure, this attempt constituted a clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions," the Council said in a statement.

The DPRK shall refrain from further actions that violate relevant Security Council resolutions and comply fully with its obligations under these resolutions, the statement said.

UNSC members also highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and expressed their commitment to a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation.

"The members of the Security Council agreed that the Security Council would continue to closely monitor the situation and take further significant measures in line with the Council's previously expressed determination," the statement said.

The UNSC has adopted four resolutions to curb the DPRK's nuclear and missile programs. The latest one adopted in March imposes the most severe sanctions yet on the country, including an export ban and asset freeze.