by Joseph Yun Li-sun

According to military sources in South Korea, the Stalinist regime is dismantling the central module of the missile: "They could launch anyway, maybe it’s just technical problems". In any case, international pressure seems to have convinced the North to proceed more calmly, now the launch "could happen" by December 29.

Seoul (AsiaNews) - The North Korean regime "is removing the rocket that was to be launched this week. From our data it seems that they are trying to solve some problems", reveals a South Korean military source who has requested anonymity. The news comes a day after the announcement by Pyongyang of a "delay due to weather".  The launch was to have taken place from the area of ​​Dongchang-ri.

According to the military source "satellite images that we took of the launch area show clearly that the central part of the rocket was taken away. It is possible that this is just a technical problem and that, once exceeded, the launch will take place the same. " In any case, the Stalinist regime has announced that this could also be done until 29 December.

In a statement, North Korea said it would launch an Unha-3 rocket to place a communication satellite in orbit. Some analysts believe in fact the test is for a nuclear-capable intercontinental missile. According to Japanese intelligence sources, a team of Iranian nuclear technicians has been in the country.

"We do not have exact data because they are impossible to collect," a South Korean Interior Ministry source told AsiaNews. "A launching pad is visible and there is activity around it. But we do not know if it is for a satellite or a missile. [. . .] Of course, Pyongyang has never been interested in anything other than weapons," but "We are ready."

Despite appeals for a suspension of the test, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that increased activities were spotted "near fuel storage at the Dongchang-ri launch site in the North's northwest, where a three-stage rocket has been installed since earlier this week."

The launch could take place any time between 10 and 22 December, a wide enough range to factor in snow, but one that is highly symbolic as well since 17 December will mark the first anniversary of the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il and South korea will hold its presidential election on 19 December.

 

• KOREA
• missile
• launch
• south
• north
• nuclear
• program
• regime