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The secret service says it has spotted eight launch pads for medium range missiles in North Korea. National Intelligence Service Director Kim Seung-gyu told a parliamentary committee Wednesday the launch pads were believed to be for Rodong-2 or Scud missiles.
The NIS believes the missiles can be fired from the pads within three or four hours of preparation but the likelihood that they will be is small, a member of the National Assembly¡¯s Intelligence Committee said.
The NIS chief was quoted as saying that a long-range Taepodong-2 missile North Korea test-fired on July 5 exploded some 40 seconds after launch, and debris was found in inland areas west of the launch site. Asked if the North is likely to test another, he said trailers carrying parts were spotted around the assembly and maintenance building at the Musudanri missile base in Taepodong, from where the first was launched, and support vehicles are constantly going in and out of the site. The NIS also says there are some 30 missile fuel storage tanks near the launch site but it cannot tell if they are new or empty. That could suggest plans for another test launch, but it is more likely that the North is trying to find out why the first missile failed, Kim was quoted as telling lawmakers.
Another Taepodong-2 launch is theoretically possible within five to seven days once the North solves the technical defects, but this could take weeks or even months, he said.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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