North Korea Could Test Intercontinental Missile to ‘Mark Kim Jong Il’s Birthday’
SputnikNews.com
25.01.2017
North Korea could conduct a test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in February, Cheong Seong-Chang, Director of the Department of Unification Strategy Studies at the Sejong Institute, told Sputnik, commenting on recent reports that Pyongyang appears to be getting ready for a display of its military might.
“Taking into account Pyongyang’s rhetoric and its estimated technological capabilities, it can be safely assumed that [North Korea] will test launch an ICBM in mid-February. The trials will be timed to coincide with the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Kim Jong-il’s birth on February 16,” he explained.
Last week, reports emerged that North Korea placed two missiles on mobile launchers. The weapons were said to be shorter than the ICBMs in Pyongyang’s arsenal. This information has not been confirmed, but the United States said that the reclusive nation appeared to be gearing up for a ballistic missile test.
Cheong Seong-Chang suggested that South Korea and Washington were limited in their ability to deal with North Korea’s nuclear program or its missile development initiative.
“The United States does not have detailed information on exact locations and the number of North Korea’s nuclear weapons,” the analyst said. “This is why carrying out surgical strikes or conducting special operations is highly unlikely.”
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