North Korea to Launch Short-to-Medium Range Missiles
Earlier this week, Japan’s Coast Guard reported that North Korea banned ships from its coast by a wide range, fueling speculation that the rogue state was preparing to launch more missiles. The ban will last from June 25 to July 10. Turns out the speculation was on point. The U.S. believes North Korea is gearing up to launch short- to medium-range missiles, according to intelligence. (Source)
This month, North Korea conducted a nuclear test and fired at least five short-range missiles. A ship called the Kang Nam, which was headed to Myanmar, was suspected of carrying banned weapons. North Korea threatened to attack Hawaii and hinted at more aggressive actions if its ships were stopped and searched. The U.S. sent the destroyer U.S.S. John McCain to intercept the ship.
The launch of short- and medium-range missiles, and not the long-range Taepodong-2, seems to indicate that Hawaii won’t be attacked. If North Korea goes foward with its long-range missile launch, the U.S. will deploy a missile intercept and radar system to Hawaii to shoot down the missile.
Is North Korea that stupid? The rogue state’s been pretty bold so far.
Tags: Hawaii, Japan, Kang Nam, Myanmar, North Korea, Taepodong-2, U.S.S. John McCain