Japan to shoot down Nkorean rocket if it threatens territory
TOKYO — Japan on Friday ordered its military to shoot down a North Korean rocket if it threatens the nation’s territory as Washington put anti-missile destroyers into position, ramping up pressure on Pyongyang.
The moves came as a US think tank said recent heavy snow could hamper the hermit nation’s launch effort.
Tokyo has readied surface-to-air missiles in and around the capital, as well as in Okinawa, and has deployed Aegis warships in neighbouring waters.
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who is facing an uphill election battle this month, visited the defence ministry in Tokyo where Patriot missile batteries stood ready.
“If the missile is launched, I want you to act calmly and resolutely to secure Japanese people’s life, property and safety,” he told about 100 Self-Defence Force (SDF) personnel clad in camouflage uniforms.
The United States has mobilised ships equipped with ballistic missile defences in readiness for the rocket launch, the head of US Pacific Command said.
The USS Benfold and the USS Fitzgerald have been sent to the area to “monitor any potential missile launch by North Korea and to reassure regional allies should a launch occur”, a US Navy official told AFP in Washington.
The communist North announced last week a December 10 to 22 window, its second long-range rocket launch this year after a much-hyped but botched attempt in April.