The US, Japan and South Korea are closely monitoring a missile base in North Korea after military intelligence indicated that Pyong-yang might be preparing to test missiles, a South Korean newspaper reported yesterday.
The move would be the latest provocation from Pyongyang, which has denounced this week's multination naval exercise in Japanese waters as a US-led "ultimate war action" against it.
The base in Jeongju, 90km north of Pyongyang, is home to Scud-type missiles that have a range of 300km to 500km, and Nodong missiles with an 1,300km range.
Beginning two or three days ago, "North Koreans began making moves at the Jeongju base, such as moving mobile missile launch stations," the Chosun Ilbo said, citing a senior South Korean official. "We are monitoring the movements to see whether this was part of their training or they intend to launch a missile."
South Korea's Defense Ministry "neither confirms nor denies" the report, said a spokesman.
"At this point, the Japanese government is not aware of any specific indication of such a movement," Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuko Hosoda told a regular press conference.
The reported activities came as the US, Japan and seven other countries are taking part in the naval exercise in Japanese waters, part of an anti-proliferation security initiative in which allied forces can intercept ships or aircraft believed carrying missiles or equipment for unconventional weapons.
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