North Korea may launch a long-range ballistic missile towards Hawaii
on American Independence Day, according to Japanese intelligence officials.
The missile, believed to be a Taepodong-2 with a range of up to 4,000
miles, would be launched in early July from the Dongchang-ni site
on the north-western coast of the secretive country.
Intelligence analysts do not believe the device would be capable of
hitting Hawaii's main islands, which are 4,500 miles from North Korea.
It was announced today that the U.S. has deployed anti-missile defences
around Hawaii in response to the threat.
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North Korea test-fired a similar long-range missile on July 4 three
years ago, but it failed seconds after liftoff.
U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates said the additional defences around Hawaii consist of a ground-based mobile missile system and a radar system nearby.
Together they could shoot an incoming missile in mid air.
