North Korea July 4th Missile Launch
North Korea may launch a long-range ballistic missile towards Hawaii on American Independence Day, according to Japanese intelligence officials.
The missile, believed to be a Taepodong-2 with a range of up to 4,000 miles, would be launched in early July from the Dongchang-ni site on the north-western coast of the secretive country.
Intelligence analysts do not believe the device would be capable of hitting Hawaii’s main islands, which are 4,500 miles from North Korea.
Details of the launch came from the Japan’s best-selling newspaper, Yomiuri Shimbun.
Both Japanese intelligence and U.S. reconnaissance satellites have collated information pointing to the launch, according to the report.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry and the National Intelligence Service – the country’s main spy agency – said they could not confirm it.
Tension on the divided Korean peninsula has risen markedly since the North, led by Kim Jong-il, conducted two nuclear tests this year in defiance of repeated international warnings
The first rocket, fired in April, was widely seen as a disguised long-range missile test. A second launch came on May 25.
U.S. satellite intelligence has shown that a missile launch pad had been erected at Dongchang-ri on North Korea’s north-west coast.
General James Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said it would take at least three to five years for North Korea to pose a real threat to the U.S. west coast.
The UN Security Council last week authorised member states to inspect North Korean sea, air and land cargo, requiring them to seize and destroy goods shipped that violate the sanctions against arms export.
On Saturday, in response to this declaration Pyongyang said it would bolster its nuclear programs and threatened war.
Growing tensions come as arms-watchdog the International Crisis Group (ICG) claimed North Korea has several thousand tonnes of chemical weapons it could mount on missiles.
The report from the non-government organisation said they believed the North’s army have about 2,500 to 5,000 tonnes of chemical weapons which include mustard gas, sarin and other deadly nerve agents.
ICG also also warned South Korea may become a target.
‘If there is an escalation of conflict and if military hostilities break out, there is a risk that they could be used. In conventional terms, North Korea is weak and they feel they might have to resort to using those,’ said Daniel Pinkston, the ICG’s representative in Seoul.
The North has been working on chemical weapons for decades and can deliver them through long-range artillery directed on Seoul which is home to about half of South.
If the globe were Kim Jong Il’s parents we would be accused of enabling him to act in such a manner. I’m sure you have heard of the parent that says to the child. “One more time! and your in big trouble!”. Well thats all we have been doing is threatening ‘one more time’. Its about time Kim Jong is put over the proverbial knee and spanked like the destructive spoiled brat he is!
He may not be a danger now, but neither were the infamous insane people in history before they gained steam. why are we allowing him to gain steam?!
With his chemical warfare intelligence, he is far too dangerous to himself and others to be allowed to get away with his defiances. (notice I pluralized)
There are 2 Comments to "North Korea July 4th Missile Launch"
What will we tell American citizens this time when we are attacked? The longer we sit around and do nothing they are getting closer and closer to hitting mainland Hawaii and the West Coast. Launching a missile towards the United states is a direct threat….. Does Obama not think this is a sign…… Oh i forgot, we don’t want to upset anyone. Well i wonder how upset Americans will be when we get attacked in the Future.
Its my belief that we have it under control. N. Korea is not a threat, they are just flexing their muscles. NK wants us to react as the bully on the playground wants unhealthy attention so does Kim Jong Il. He’s a spoiled child with dangerous toys. I have no doubt that we will solve the problem if he gets too dangerous, and we will have help from our allies. As it is today, all we have to do is push a button and we can pop them out of the sky, nothing will touch Hawaii. Japan on the other hand might want to keep a heads up as in the past they have had missiles that fell short! And again, Japan is not impressed with NK. In due time Kim Jong Il, will get his, patience is all we need to snap him and put him in his place.
Again, NK is no threat to us at all.