North Korea has informed an international organization that it plans to launch a satellite April 4 to 8, South Korea’s state news agency reported Thursday, citing an unnamed intelligence official.
North Korea’s official news agency reported earlier that the nation had notified the International Maritime Organization of its plans. That report did not indicate a date. U.S. and South Korean officials have long said the communist nation is actually preparing to test-fire a long-range missile under the guise of a satellite launch. The missile, Taepodong-2, is thought to have an intended range of about 4,200 miles (6,700 kilometers), which — if true — could give it the capability of striking Alaska or Hawaii. A U.N. Security Council resolution in 2006 bans North Korea from conducting ballistic missile activity.
Tensions have ramped up in recent days, as North Korea has threatened retaliation if its satellite is intercepted after launch. On Wednesday it vowed to “take every necessary measure to protect its sovereignty” in the midst of 12-day U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday her country will still try to denuclearize North Korea through multilateral talks, even if the North launches a long-range missile.
