South Korea sees imminent prospect of North ICBM test, newspaper reports

Individuals watch a TV broadcasting a information report on North Korea’s firing a ballistic missile off its east coast, in Seoul, South Korea, March 5, 2022. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photograph

SEOUL, March 14 (Reuters) – The South Korean authorities believes North Korea might take a look at an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) as quickly as this week, home media mentioned, citing unidentified sources.

Pressure on the Korean peninsula has been rising amid rising indicators that Pyongyang might quickly observe by way of on its threats to restart such checks, breaking a self-imposed 2017 moratorium. learn extra

The workplace of outgoing President Moon Jae-in has advised president-elect Yoon Suk-yeol a take a look at launch was imminent and that it will not be a shock if it occurred on Monday, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper mentioned.

Yonhap information company mentioned individually that each South Korea and america had detected indicators of an upcoming take a look at.

The remark was made as Moon’s nationwide safety adviser, Suh Hoon, briefed Yoon on Saturday about international coverage and safety points, the report mentioned, citing an unnamed official on the president-elect’s workplace.

“It’s so imminent that it will be no shock in the event that they hearth it on Monday,” it quoted Suh as saying. “We’re taking the scenario significantly.”

A spokesperson for Moon’s workplace mentioned Suh had briefed Yoon on North Korea’s latest actions, together with latest missile launches, and the Ukraine disaster, amongst different points, however declined to touch upon the Chosun Ilbo report.

Yoon spokesperson Kim Eun-hye advised reporters that there could possibly be further briefings for the president-elect however didn’t affirm particulars of safety points.

At a gathering with senior aides, Moon known as for Pyongyang to cease escalating tensions and search diplomacy, and vowed to maintain up a strong safety posture.

Seoul’s Unification Ministry dealing with inter-Korean affairs additionally urged the North to instantly halt actions that “run counter to peace and stability” on the peninsula.

On Friday, america and South Korea mentioned in a uncommon joint announcement that the North had used its largest-ever ICBM in two latest launches, within the guise of satellite tv for pc launch preparations. learn extra

The missile system, the Hwasong-17, was unveiled at a navy parade in Pyongyang in 2020 and reappeared at a defence exhibition in October 2021. learn extra

The Dong-A Ilbo newspaper additionally reported on Monday, citing unnamed authorities sources, {that a} transporter-erector-launcher used to fireside road-mobile missiles such because the Hwasong-17 had been noticed across the Pyongyang airport, the place the 2 latest checks had been held.

Yoon, who was elected president final week, had signalled a harder line in opposition to Pyongyang.

Whereas staying open to restarting stalled denuclearisation talks, he has mentioned pre-emptive strikes could be wanted to counter an imminent North Korean missile assault, and vowed to purchase further U.S. THAAD missile interceptors. learn extra

Earlier than the election, Yoon additionally warned of “even stronger strain from the worldwide neighborhood if North Korea fires an ICBM underneath color of a satellite tv for pc launch”.

He declined to make further touch upon Sunday.

Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Modifying by Gerry Doyle and Clarence Fernandez

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Belief Rules.