South Korea raises alert level as North readies missile test
South Korean intelligence says the North had prepared two mid-range missiles for imminent launch from its east coast
South Korea raised its military watch alert to “vital threat” on Wednesday ahead of an expected North Korean missile launch, as UN chief Ban Ki-moon warned the Korean Peninsula may be slipping out of control.
South Korean intelligence says the North had prepared two mid-range missiles for imminent launch from its east coast, despite warnings from ally China to avoid provocative moves at a time of soaring military tensions.
Last week, North Korea told foreign diplomats in Pyongyang they had until April 10 to consider evacuation, fuelling speculation that a launch was planned between Wednesday and the April 15 birthday celebrations for founding leader Kim Il-sung.
On Tuesday, the North reiterated a warning that the Korean Peninsula was headed for “thermonuclear” war and advised foreigners to consider leaving South Korea.
In a further sign of the rising nuclear tensions, a key border crossing between North Korea and China has been closed to tourist groups, a Chinese official said on Wednesday.
