BY JANELA BUHAIN - GUAM REPORTER
THURSDAY, AUGUST 04, 2011 12:00AM
THURSDAY, AUGUST 04, 2011 12:00AM
HAGÅTÑA — North Korea is developing a mid-range ballistic missile that could potentially reach thousands of troops based on Guam, according to the Japan Defense Ministry.
The Associated Press said the 2011 White Paper from the Japan Ministry of Defense disclosed that North Korea is developing a missile called the “Musudan.”
The missile, according to the report, is based on Russian technology from the 1990s, and is designed for launch from mobile platforms.
The missile would be capable of reaching an estimated range of 1,500 to 2,500 miles. About 2,000 miles away from North Korea, Guam is clearly within range of the missile.
Although the report did not give details on when the missile could be operational, experts believe the Musudan was displayed in a North Korean military parade last October.
The report highlights North Korea’s threat to the region because of its nuclear weapons program and its aggressive behavior, which includes an artillery attack it made on South Korea late last year.
The report also stated that because of the secretive nature of the North Korean regime, it is difficult to determine the isolated country’s military intentions.
Sen. Rory Respicio, legislative committee chairman on federal and foreign affairs, said news of this missile is “not a new threat.”
“The recent news of North Korea’s missile capabilities are not a new threat — they’ve always had that capability,” said Respicio.
“It just underscores the Department of Defense’s need to place a U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Defense on Guam,” he added.
This, Respicio said, is a prime example of why he and other leaders have been lobbying for the creation of a Civilian Military Task Force. He said in May 2007, there was an active discussion to include a CMTF in the environmental impact statement scoping process for the placement of a ballistic missile defense system on Guam.
“Because Guam’s strategic location will be highlighted once more through this military buildup, [DOD] should be more vigilant and finally make the decision for this ballistic missile defense system to be placed on Guam, and allay any fears the people of Guam may have regarding this concern,” he said.
The Associated Press said the 2011 White Paper from the Japan Ministry of Defense disclosed that North Korea is developing a missile called the “Musudan.”
The missile, according to the report, is based on Russian technology from the 1990s, and is designed for launch from mobile platforms.
The missile would be capable of reaching an estimated range of 1,500 to 2,500 miles. About 2,000 miles away from North Korea, Guam is clearly within range of the missile.
Although the report did not give details on when the missile could be operational, experts believe the Musudan was displayed in a North Korean military parade last October.
The report highlights North Korea’s threat to the region because of its nuclear weapons program and its aggressive behavior, which includes an artillery attack it made on South Korea late last year.
The report also stated that because of the secretive nature of the North Korean regime, it is difficult to determine the isolated country’s military intentions.
Sen. Rory Respicio, legislative committee chairman on federal and foreign affairs, said news of this missile is “not a new threat.”
“The recent news of North Korea’s missile capabilities are not a new threat — they’ve always had that capability,” said Respicio.
“It just underscores the Department of Defense’s need to place a U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Defense on Guam,” he added.
This, Respicio said, is a prime example of why he and other leaders have been lobbying for the creation of a Civilian Military Task Force. He said in May 2007, there was an active discussion to include a CMTF in the environmental impact statement scoping process for the placement of a ballistic missile defense system on Guam.
“Because Guam’s strategic location will be highlighted once more through this military buildup, [DOD] should be more vigilant and finally make the decision for this ballistic missile defense system to be placed on Guam, and allay any fears the people of Guam may have regarding this concern,” he said.
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