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Failed Missile Launch Detected in North Korea

by VOA News

   The U.S. and South Korean military officials says they have detected a
   failed ballistic missile launch in North Korea near the northwestern
   city of Kusong.

   In a statement, The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
   said North Korea likely launched a Musudan intermediate-range early
   Thursday, but it posed no threat to North America because it failed.

   According to U.S. and South Korean monitors, the missile exploded
   shortly after take-off.

   A Musudan missile was successfully launched in June, and flew around
   400 kilometers into the Sea of Japan.

   Earlier this week, North Korea attempted a similar launch of the
   Musudan missile, but it also failed.

   The U.S. and South Korea announced Wednesday the two countries would
   further discussions to strengthen deterrence of nuclear weapons in
   North Korea.

   The U.S. is considering the permanent deployment at its bases in South
   Korea of B-1B and nuclear capable B-52 bombers, F-22 stealth fighter
   jets and nuclear-powered submarines, according to defense and
   diplomatic sources.

   Pentagon Correspondent Carla Babb contributed to this report.