North Korean missile 'blows up' on test launch as Pence heads for South

[rooster59]

North Korean missile 'blows up' on test launch as Pence heads for South

By Ju-min Park

 

A passenger walks past a TV broadcasting a news report on North Korea's failed missile launch from its east coast, at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea, April 16, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

 

SEOUL (Reuters) - A North Korean missile "blew up almost immediately" on its test launch on Sunday, the U.S. Pacific Command said, hours before U.S. Vice President Mike Pence was due in the South for talks on the North's increasingly defiant arms programme.

 

The failed launch from the east coast, ignoring admonitions from major ally China, came a day after North Korea held a military parade in its capital, marking the birth anniversary of the state founder, in which what appeared to be new long-range ballistic missiles were on display.

 

Pence is due in Seoul at the start of a 10-day trip to Asia in what his aides said was a sign of the U.S. commitment to its ally in the face of rising tension over North Korea.

 

A U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier strike group is also heading for the region.

 

The North has warned of a nuclear strike against the United States if provoked. It has said it has developed and would launch a missile that can strike the mainland United States but officials and experts believe it is some time away from mastering the necessary technology.

 

"The North attempted to launch an unidentified missile from near the Sinpo region this morning but it is suspected to have failed," the South's Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

 

The U.S. Pacific Command said the missile "blew up almost immediately", adding the type of missile was being analysed.

 

Pence had been briefed on the failed launch en route to Seoul and had been in touch with Trump, the White House aides said.

 

South Korea's Yonhap news agency cited an unnamed South Korean intelligence source as saying the missile appeared to have not flown far from its land-based launch site.

 

The North launched a ballistic missile from the same region earlier this month ahead of a summit between the leaders of the United States and China to discuss the North's arms programme.

 

China has spoken out against its missile and nuclear tests and has supported U.N. sanctions. China on Friday again called for talks to defuse the crisis.

 

That missile flew about 60 km (40 miles) but what U.S. officials said appeared to be a liquid-fuelled, extended-range Scud missile only travelled a fraction of its range before spinning out of control.

 

A U.S. Navy attack on a Syrian airfield this month with Tomahawk missiles raised questions about U.S. President Donald Trump's plans for reclusive North Korea, which has conducted several missile and nuclear tests in defiance of U.N. sanctions, regularly threatening to destroy the United States.

 

Sinpo, where the launch took place, is the site of a North Korean submarine base and where the North has tested the submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) it is developing.

 

“It appears today’s launch was already scheduled for re-launching after the earlier test-firing” Kim Dong-yub, a military expert at Kyungnam University's Institute of Far Eastern Studies in Seoul.

 

“This launch can possibly be a test for a new type of missile or an upgrade,” Kim added.

 

Tension had escalated sharply in the region amid concerns that the North may conduct a sixth nuclear test or a ballistic missile test launch around the April 15 anniversary it calls the "Day of the Sun."

 

The White House has said Trump has put the North "on notice" while the possibility of U.S. military action against Pyongyang has gained traction following U.S. strikes against Syria on April 7.

 

Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. The North regularly threatens to destroy the South and the South's main ally, the United States.

 

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2017-04-16

 

[darksidedog]

It blew up!

[Peterw42]

1 hour ago, rooster59 said:

China has spoken out against its missile and nuclear tests and has supported U.N. sanctions. China on Friday again called for talks to defuse the crisis.

Here is a crazy idea, maybe China could stop selling them missiles, There not getting them off ebay.

[Panda13]

Was this the big spectacle that Kim Jong promised the world we would see on the weekend? Hahaha.

[garyk]

Blowing up on the launchpad is loosing face.

Loosing face over here is a major thing. I hope he doesn't do something really stupid! 

I am packing my bags and getting out of S.E. Asia. 

Edited April 16, 2017 by garyk

[pokerface1]

The most important issue here is how do we know it was only a test missile as reported by the media? Does the missile have TEST only written on the side of it? Or if it lands inside the NK boarder then it's classified as a test missile after the event.

How do the military determine if a long range missile is a test or if it is heading for a foreign target?

Better make a ruling that any missile launched is an act of war and counter measures should be taken it response. Avoid the possible confusion now and  draw a red line in the sand

[Peterw42]

3 minutes ago, pokerface1 said:

The most important issue here is how do we know it was only a test missile as reported by the media? Does the missile have TEST only written on the side of it? Or if it lands inside the NK boarder then it's classified as a test missile after the event.

How do the military determine if a long range missile is a test or if it is heading for a foreign target?

Better make a ruling that any missile launched is an act of war and counter measures should be taken it response. Avoid the possible confusion now and  draw a red line in the sand

As far as I know, launching an intercontinental ballistic missile requires a room full of guys with PHDs, some pretty top end computers, some top secret proprietary software, a couple of dedicated satellites, a big screen with a countdown on it and a cat that you pat as you press the red button. Where is a country that barely has electricity getting this stuff from ??

 

I agree, a launch is a launch and would be considered heading for US, sth Korea etc

[BruceMangosteen]

The ball is in President Trump's court. North Korea attempted to launch a missile just as Vice President Pence is approaching the coast? It's time to teach them a lesson I guess. RIP those starving in North Korea. 

[baboon]

1 minute ago, BruceMangosteen said:

The ball is in President Trump's court. North Korea attempted to launch a missile just as Vice President Pence is approaching the coast? It's time to teach them a lesson I guess. RIP those starving in North Korea. 

Well you get yourself away and show us how it is done. Lead by example and put your own life on the line.

[Peterw42]

7 minutes ago, baboon said:

The west isn't very friendly with Russia right now. Every time they launch a rocket to the international space station, should we attack them just in case they are lying?

Russia isnt threatening to nuke downtown Washington.

[metisdead]

An off topic post has been removed. 

[baboon]

18 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

Russia isnt threatening to nuke downtown Washington.

Who knows? One day they might. Using the logic of some on here, we should get our retaliation in first, just in case they do.

[pokerface1]

18 minutes ago, baboon said:

The west isn't very friendly with Russia right now. Every time they launch a rocket to the international space station, should we attack them just in case they are lying?

Yes a valid point, I'm sure you can think of an answer to the dilemma. I would expect a team of inspectors to verify the reason for the launch and if no verification then it should be classed as an attack. Then the shit hits the fan big time 

[transam]

I fear for the safety of the bloke(s) who put his "missile" together....

[pokerface1]

9 minutes ago, transam said:

I fear for the safety of the bloke(s) who put his "missile" together....

Yes they might be tied to onto the next missile launch 

[transam]

2 minutes ago, pokerface1 said:

Yes they might be tied to onto the next missile launch 

Something like that....

[wayned]

I fear for the safety of us all with Kim and "Tweety Bird" in control of the situation!

[darksidedog]

They are clearly having some problems with their missile development programme, but not to worry. The Americans may well be sending them a few shortly that will show them how it is supposed to work. You never know, China might chip in with a few too.

Edited April 16, 2017 by darksidedog

[ilostmypassword]

54 minutes ago, BruceMangosteen said:

The ball is in President Trump's court. North Korea attempted to launch a missile just as Vice President Pence is approaching the coast? It's time to teach them a lesson I guess. RIP those starving in North Korea. 

And the lesson learned will be that Trump will do absolutely nothing to North Korea. And once that fact is clear. his supporters will somehow find a way to dress up his inaction as somehow decisive.  And not one of them will refer to him as the "big fat man".

[transam]

2 minutes ago, ilostmypassword said:

And the lesson learned will be that Trump will do absolutely nothing to North Korea. And once that fact is clear. his supporters will somehow find a way to dress up his inaction as somehow decisive.  And not one of them will refer to him as the "big fat man".

You have insider info...?

[sujoop]

47 minutes ago, BruceMangosteen said:

The ball is in President Trump's court. North Korea attempted to launch a missile just as Vice President Pence is approaching the coast? It's time to teach them a lesson I guess. RIP those starving in North Korea. 

Placing a lot of faith in Trump  and an untested Aegis ballistic missile defense system while risking tens of thousands of lives plus ongoing fallout, is this wise?

How US could stop a North Korean missile

While Aegis has been successful in intercepting ballistic missiles during tests, it has not been used to take out one in combat.

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/02/14/politics/us-north-korea-aegis-ballistic-missile-defense/

 Some comments on the subject which resonate:

"Kims got the military ability to kill over 35000 US Troops and millions of SK in Seoul in minutes "

"So basically whether or not the world can avoid war between two nations armed with nuclear weapons is going to be determined by the statesmanship of Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un. Good to know."

"What could go wrong? Two hot-headed, low-info imbeciles with massive ego problems? Oh, and they have nuclear weapons?"
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-north-korea-climbing-escalation-ladder-214052550.html

 

 

[transam]

2 minutes ago, sujoop said:

Placing a lot of faith in Trump  and an untested Aegis ballistic missile defense system while risking tens of thousands of lives plus ongoing fallout, is this wise?

How US could stop a North Korean missile

While Aegis has been successful in intercepting ballistic missiles during tests, it has not been used to take out one in combat.

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/02/14/politics/us-north-korea-aegis-ballistic-missile-defense/

 Some comments on the subject which resonate:

"Kims got the military ability to kill over 35000 US Troops and millions of SK in Seoul in minutes "

"So basically whether or not the world can avoid war between two nations armed with nuclear weapons is going to be determined by the statesmanship of Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un. Good to know."

"What could go wrong? Two hot-headed, low-info imbeciles with massive ego problems? Oh, and they have nuclear weapons?"
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-north-korea-climbing-escalation-ladder-214052550.html

 

 

Think the Prez does have military advisers as to what is what...

[Grouse]

North Korea has learnt that having nuclear weapons is indeed a deterrent against attack. They saw what happened to Libya after they gave up their nuclear program.

 

So, this is an almost intractable issue. Presumably, their warheads are already distributed so a surgical strike would not work and would certainly result in retaliation.

 

I can't see any option but having China apply pressure and using severe sanctions. 

 

I hope that Japan does not obtain nuclear weapons as a result

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

2 hours ago, darksidedog said:

It blew up!

One of these days, unfortunately, they will finally get it right.

 

That is, unless somebody gets them first.

 

[ilostmypassword]

25 minutes ago, transam said:

You have insider info...?

Don't need it. I just look at what the supporters of the Great Reneger claim or hope he'll do and then predict the opposite.

[transam]

1 minute ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

One of these days, unfortunately, they will finally get it right.

 

That is, unless somebody gets them first.

 

Yes.....Sadly as we all know NK is a nut state, the whole country is based around war mongering when in reality if they just get on with life they have no problem. Ordinary NK folk live in fear ever day that their own ruler will take them out..Hitler was left alone for too long and look what happened...Of course the Chinese have just sat back and let things progress to where we are now....The nut has not taken any notice of anyone, well nuts don't do they..

 

Saddam did similar stuff, took no notice because he thought his huge army could prevail, it didn't, taken out in day's...

[BEngBKK]

Just wondering...

Maybe US and China should agree on bombing North Korea installations, Invade the country and make it a republic of China ???

I am not that fund of the Chinese, but they are not insane like the little funny man in North Korea.....

[baboon]

2 minutes ago, transam said:

Yes.....Sadly as we all know NK is a nut state, the whole country is based around war mongering when in reality if they just get on with life they have no problem. Ordinary NK folk live in fear ever day that their own ruler will take them out..Hitler was left alone for too long and look what happened...Of course the Chinese have just sat back and let things progress to where we are now....The nut has not taken any notice of anyone, well nuts don't do they..

 

Saddam did similar stuff, took no notice because he thought his huge army could prevail, it didn't, taken out in day's...

Nazi Germany was an expansionist power. Korea never has been, hence the title 'The Hermit Kingdom'.

[transam]

5 minutes ago, baboon said:

Nazi Germany was an expansionist power. Korea never has been, hence the title 'The Hermit Kingdom'.

SK....?

[avander]

Feel sorry for those poor NK souls responsible for this latest failure.  

I wonder how long they will need to wait for the new line of rock/military scientist types up there to graduate?