Japan on alert for North Korean ballistic missile test

By REUTERS

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. REUTERS
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. REUTERS

Japan put its military on alert on Monday for a possible North Korean ballistic missile firing, while South Korea also said it had detected evidence of launch preparations, officials from Japan and South Korea said.

Tension in the region has been high since North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and followed that with a satellite launch and test launches of various missiles.

Japan ordered naval destroyers and Patriot anti-ballistic missile batteries to be ready to shoot down any projectile heading for the country, state broadcaster NHK said.

A Japanese official, who declined to be identified, confirmed the order. A spokesmen for Japan’s defence ministry declined to comment.

The missile tubes on a Patriot missile battery on the grounds of Japan’s Ministry of Defense were elevated to a firing position.

The South Korean defense official declined to comment on what type of missile might be launched, but South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency said officials believe it would be an intermediate-range Musudan missile.

“We’ve detected a sign and are tracking that. We are fully prepared,” said the South Korean official, who also declined to be identified.

A Pentagon spokesman, US Navy Commander Gary Ross, said: “We are closely monitoring the situation on the Korean Peninsula in coordination with our regional allies. We urge North Korea to refrain from provocative actions that aggravate tensions and instead focus on fulfilling its international obligations and commitments.”

North Korea tried unsuccessfully to test launch the Musudan three times in April, according to US and South Korean officials.

Japan has put its anti-ballistic missile forces on alert at least twice this year after detecting signs of launches by North Korea.

North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests this year triggered new U.N. sanctions. But it seems determined to press ahead with its weapons programs, despite the sanctions and the disapproval of its sole main ally, China.

 

 

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