Washington says it is "not surprised" by the turn of events. Seoul deploys destroyers armed with anti-missile systems. For now, North Korea is silent.

Seoul (AsiaNews) - North Korea's Stalinist regime has loaded two new medium-range 'Musudan' missiles (AKA Taepodong) onto mobile launchers at an "unidentified" facility near the east coast, said South Korean military sources, quoted in Yonhap. These missiles can carry nuclear warheads.

The deployment of a similar rocket with a longer range promoted the United States to send its advanced missile defense system to its base on the Pacific Ocean island of Guam.

For now, the regional situation appears to be at an impasse as Washington reiterated its readiness to take the necessary steps and precautions against North Korea's usual threats.

In response to the North's military move, South Korea also sent two Aegis destroyers equipped with advanced radar systems to both of its coasts, South Korean Navy officials said.

The 7,600-tonne Aegis destroyers can track hundreds of targets as far as 1,000 kilometers away, and are on standby on the east and west coasts of the Korean Peninsula to track missile launches by Pyongyang.

The South Korean military is also operating the ground-based missile defense radar system Green Pine, and the early warning aircraft Peace Eye.

North Korea has not yet spoken about recent developments. Nevertheless, it appears to have sent a formal statement to the United States about its actions and movements.

A total war "is unlikely since no one wants a reunified Korean Peninsula," the likely outcome of such a war, sources told AsiaNews.

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