Global Security Newswire

North Korea might have transported an ICBM to a known launch site in preparation for another missile trial, Reuters reported today (see GSN, June 16).

A train designed to move missiles recently was seen heading to the east-coast Musudan-ri site, which was used in two previous missile launches, according to the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo.

"A U.S. spy satellite spotted a special ICBM transport train moving from the manufacturing plant (near Pyongyang) to the Musudan-ri test site and staying there for a few days before returning," a government official told the paper.

A Japanese newspaper also reported activity at the new Dongchang-ri missile base on the country's west coast that is drawing closer to viability. The paper, Sankei, said the increased activity at both bases might be intended to confound the North's opponents.

North Korea is thought to be designing an improved version of its Taepodong 2 long-range missile, which is intended to be able to reach U.S. territory . The North's last missile test, in April, sent a Taepodong about 1,860 miles -- farther than a 2006 missile experiment, but not nearly far enough to hit Alaska. Pyongyang has claimed the April test was a peaceful satellite launch.

Seoul predicted the North will test-launch another long-range missile before the end of the month (Jack Kim, Reuters, June 17).

However, a South Korean official today advised against assuming a launch is imminent, since there has not been any confirmation that the train was actually carrying a missile, Kyodo News reported.

"Signs have been detected that a cargo train from Pyongyang keeps going and coming to the Dongchang-ri site (on the west coast) and the Musudan-ri site (on the eastern coast)," the source told the Yonhap News Agency. "It is my understanding that nothing has been distinguished in the train" (Kyodo News/Breitbart.com, June 17).