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North Korea: Pyongyang Preparing Ballistic Missile Test, Second Cruise Missile Test Failed U.S. intelligence officials have said North Korea is preparing to test-launch another missile, possible a Taepodong 2 long-range ballistic missile, the Washington Times reported today (see GSN, March 10). Recent satellite photographs taken of a North Korean base revealed activity that indicated possible missile test preparations, the officials said. The activity is being closely monitored amid concerns that the test could involve a Taepodong 2, an official said. Such a test would unquestionably end North Korea’s missile testing moratorium, which began in 1998. “There aren’t indications of an imminent launch, but it is something they might well do,” one U.S. official said. “It’s certainly a possibility,” the official added. Pyongyang is expected to make a prior announcement before the next missile test, the intelligence officials said. Such an announcement could be issued as early as today, they added. Meanwhile, North Korea’s Monday test of an anti-ship cruise missile failed when the missile did not fly properly due to a guidance system problem, the officials said. The missile, a North Korean version of the Chinese-made HY-2 Silkworm, flew about 80 miles before falling into the Sea of Japan. The missile normally has a range of about 100 miles (Bill Gertz, Washington Times, March 12).
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