South Korean news agency says Musudan mobile launch system spotted on east coast is not known to have flown previously

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

North Korea has deployed one or two medium-range ballistic missiles on the east coast, possibly preparing for launch on or around Friday, the anniversary of the birth of the country’s founder, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency has reported.



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A mobile launcher was spotted carrying up to two Musudan missiles, Yonhap said on Thursday, citing multiple South Korean government sources, following the North’s fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch the next month, which led to fresh UN sanctions.

The Musudan missile, with a design range of more than 1,800 miles (3,000km), is not known to have been flight-tested, according to South Korean defence ministry and experts.

Some experts said the North may choose to test-fire the Musudan in the near future as it tries to build an intercontinental ballistic missile designed to put the mainland United States within range.

US intelligence believes North Korea’s ability to reach the United States is low, but its capabilities will increase, making continued investment in missile defence essential.

South Korean defence ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun declined to confirm the Yonhap report but said the military had been on high alert for any missile launch by the North since leader Kim Jong-un’s vow to conduct more tests.

Kim said in March his country would soon test a nuclear warhead and ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

North Korea, which regularly threatens to destroy the South and the United States, often fires missiles during periods of tension in the region or when it comes under pressure to curb its defiance and abandon its weapons programmes.

South Korean experts have said the North may choose to make a show of force ahead of a major ruling party congress in May where it is expected to declare itself a nuclear power or around the 15 April anniversary of the birth of Kim’s grandfather Kim Il-sung.

North Korea accused South Korea on Tuesday of abducting its citizens in China, four days after South Korea said 13 workers at a restaurant run by the North had defected.