South Korea to track North Korean missiles

Military officials have informed South Korean media that two warships containing missile defence systems would be sent to the east and west coasts, following allegations that the North moved a missile to its east coast. 

Seoul has not expressed a great amount of concern regarding the move of the missile, referring to it as a test rather than a definite act of hostility or aggression. Unconfirmed reports alleged that two missiles had been moved. They were relocated to the east coast, a location that has previously been used for military testing. The missiles are believed to be mid-range Musudans. 

South Korea has sent two warships which contain Aegis defence systems to supervise the move. Among other things, this defence system will allow the ships to diffuse the situation by shooting enemy missiles down before they are able to enter the atmosphere. 

Regional South Korean newspaper JoongAng Daily wrote: “The escalation of tension by the North has hardly affected the South. Pyongyang’s provocations are aimed at consolidating Kim Jong-Un’s power base at home.” 

As well as threats of nuclear strikes and an attack on South Korea, North Korea has threatened US territory in recent weeks. Pyongyang listed the Pacific Island of Guam as a target. The Island holds a US military base. The US confirmed on Thursday that they would send a missile defence system to Guam in order to prepare themselves following the threats. 

State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said: “The moves that we have been making are designed to ensure and to reassure the American people and our allies that we can defend the United States.”

Molly Kersey