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N. Korea Set to Launch 2nd Long-Range Missile

Weapon may be launched when S. Korea prez visits DC

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 1, 2009 8:06 AM CDT
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(Newser) – North Korea is preparing to launch another intercontinental ballistic missile, according to South Korean media reports. Pyongyang is said to have moved its most advanced missile, whose 4,000 mile range puts Alaska within striking distance, to a brand-new launch pad and has forbidden ships from sailing the waters off its west coast. Several papers suggested that the launch might take place around June 16, when President Obama will welcome the South Korean president to the White House.

Sources say that the missile in question is a version of the Taepodong-2, which was launched in April and flew over Japan before crashing into the Pacific Ocean. The new northwest test site, nearing completion, is closer to the Chinese border and may be considered a more secure location than the previous east-coast site.

North Korean soldiers are seen along the river banks of the Yalu river opposite Hekou, in northeastern China's Liaoning province.
North Korean soldiers are seen along the river banks of the Yalu river opposite Hekou, in northeastern China's Liaoning province.   (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
North Korea has vowed to retaliate if punitive UN sanctions are imposed for its latest nuclear test, and there are new signs Pyongyang may be planning more long-range missile launches.
North Korea has vowed to retaliate if punitive UN sanctions are imposed for its latest nuclear test, and there are new signs Pyongyang may be planning more long-range missile launches.   (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak, who imposed heavy security Sunday for a summit with Asian leaders following North Korean nuclear and missile tests that have frayed nerves across the region.
South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak, who imposed heavy security Sunday for a summit with Asian leaders following North Korean nuclear and missile tests that have frayed nerves across the region.   (AP Photo/Jung Yeon-je, Pool)
South Korean Marines on a military vehicle return to their unit on South Korea's western Yeonpyong Island, near the disputed sea border with North Korea, Sunday, May 31, 2009.
South Korean Marines on a military vehicle return to their unit on South Korea's western Yeonpyong Island, near the disputed sea border with North Korea, Sunday, May 31, 2009.   (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Observer
Jun 1, 2009 8:23 AM CDT
Dear Reader 606 -- I would bet that the thousands of people we have killed in missile attacks the last 7 years would disagree if they weren't carbonized by our hyper-velocity, high explosive, ultra-accurate laser guided fireworks. Gee didn't we just kill about 75 "innocent" afghans. The DOD tried denying the head count but admitted that there were dozens of kids and moms. We attack anyone anywhere we want. Ask the few remaining Pablo Escobar family members - we killed three hundred of his people. The murders we commit are less murderous somehow I guess? Think, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, Pakistan, Sudan, Yemen, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Serbia, Colombia, Peru. Panama and many other places. It just doesn't get accurately reported. You need to reduce your prescriptions if you don't realize that we kill with malice at will worldwide.
Observer
Jun 1, 2009 2:51 AM CDT
Professor - I teach history to imbeciles like you. It makes perfect sense to leave Korea to the Koreans. We owe them nothing. The fact that we fought communism there IN THE 50's! does not justify the costs we spend on that worthless little penninsula. They cannot seriously threaten us and if they pulled some stupid stunt like attacking the US there would be nothing left of their pitiful country. Go read Defense Secretary Robert Gates remarks made last week.
Addyp
Jun 1, 2009 2:35 AM CDT
That made no sense whatsoever. Maybe try reading history a little bit before you start spouting nonsense.

Coverage of the escalating crisis from South Korea
Chosun Ilbo (South Korea)

 
North Korea • South Korea • nuclear program • missile • weapons of mass destruction • nuclear missiles • Lee Myung-bak

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