SEOUL: South Korea’s military intelligence agency has reported that North Korea has finalized its preparations to launch a long-range missile, deploying a mobile launcher in anticipation of the event.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) presented this assessment during a recent parliamentary audit. The agency indicated that the launch could potentially occur either before or after the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5. Representatives Lee Seong-kweun of the ruling People Power Party and Park Sun-won of the main opposition Democratic Party were briefed on the situation.
The DIA’s report suggests that North Korea is almost ready to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or a space launch vehicle. The agency highlighted that preparations for a transporter erector launcher are complete and that it has been deployed to a specific location. However, the DIA noted that no missile has been mounted on the launcher yet.
The potential launch is believed
to be a test of North Korea’s atmospheric reentry technology, according to the DIA. The agency continues to monitor the situation closely as tensions rise over North Korea’s missile capabilities.