SKorea: North readying missile with US territory range

By Alex Jensen

SEOUL

North Korea has readied an untested medium-range ballistic missile known as the Musudan for a launch that could come as early as this week, according to South Korean government and military sources Thursday.

The missile -- which was first publicly displayed during a Pyongyang parade in 2010 -- is believed to have a range that extends to the U.S. territory of Guam.

This Friday, the North will celebrate its Day of the Sun holiday by remembering the birthday of its late founder Kim Il-sung -- Seoul officials believe that a missile test or provocation of some kind could mark the anniversary.

“Our military is closely following the possibility of North Korea's fifth nuclear test or launches of ballistic missiles like the Musudan,” South Korean defense ministry spokesperson Moon Sang-gyun said at a briefing.

Another government source told Yonhap News Agency that at least one Musudan missile had already been deployed.

“Given the fact, North Korea is likely to venture a launch on the occasion of Kim Il-sung's birthday,” the source was quoted as saying.

Military intelligence also cited in local media suggested that the North had loaded the missile, or multiple missiles, onto a mobile launcher -- in a further indication of the country’s growing weapon capabilities.

North Korea started the year with a fourth ever nuclear test before carrying out a long-range rocket launch in February.

Both actions drew strengthened global sanctions after breaking multiple United Nations resolutions barring the reclusive state from developing nuclear weapons or ballistic missile technology.

Having shrugged off the UN’s punitive measures with a series of further missile launches, Pyongyang has repeatedly vowed to continue to build a nuclear arsenal as a counterbalance to the United States’ regional influence, including the presence of nearly 30,000 American military personnel south of the inter-Korean border.

A demonstration of the Musudan’s capabilities would further provoke the allies.