Missile watch is on for North Korea
Issue date: 7/3/09 Section: News
South Korea announced today that it will be closely monitoring North Korean military sites because there is speculation that the communist nation might fire more missiles toward the United States in the coming days.
In a move being called “provocative,” North Korea launched four short-range missiles off its east coast yesterday.
In 2006, North Korea launched its most advanced Taepodong-2 missile on July 4. However, the rocket broke apart shortly after takeoff.
The North announced last month that it might try to fire a long-range missile toward Hawaii during the period up to next Friday.
Missile defenses were put on high alert following a report in Japanese newspaper that the North might fire a long-range missile toward the islands in early July.
“We cannot rule out the possibility,” said Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura. Kawamura believes a long-term missile launch could come this weekend.
However, according to U.S. Defense Department officials, there has been nothing to indicate that North Korea is ready to launch a long-range ballistic missile and that there is no immediate threat to the U.S.
In a move being called “provocative,” North Korea launched four short-range missiles off its east coast yesterday.
In 2006, North Korea launched its most advanced Taepodong-2 missile on July 4. However, the rocket broke apart shortly after takeoff.
The North announced last month that it might try to fire a long-range missile toward Hawaii during the period up to next Friday.
Missile defenses were put on high alert following a report in Japanese newspaper that the North might fire a long-range missile toward the islands in early July.
“We cannot rule out the possibility,” said Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura. Kawamura believes a long-term missile launch could come this weekend.
However, according to U.S. Defense Department officials, there has been nothing to indicate that North Korea is ready to launch a long-range ballistic missile and that there is no immediate threat to the U.S.
Be the first to comment on this story