North Korea preparing to launch missile capable of reaching US territory

The rocket is thought to be a "Musudan” missile – the same type as one launched last month – South Korean government sources said.

The Musudan missile is designed to have a range of more than 1,800 miles.

That might be capable of reaching Guam – a US territory in Micronesia, in the Pacific.

The Japanese military is on high alert – with its navy and Patriot missile defence batteries ordered to shoot down any shell seen heading for its territory.

Tension in the region has been high since North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and followed that with a satellite launch and test launches of various missiles – including one in May.

The May launch failed.

North Korea tried unsuccessfully to test launch the Musudan three other times in April.

Japan has put its anti-ballistic missile forces on alert several times this year after detecting signs of launches by its aggressive neighbour.

(dailystar.co.uk)