US satellite detects 'strange' trajectory of North Korean missile

US intelligence agencies detected two anti-ship cruise missiles on a North Korean patrol boat off the country's east coast several days ago, despite Washington's belief that Pyongyang may have halted its controversial missile tests.

North Korea test-fires a cruise missile. Photo: Reuters

Satellite images taken by US intelligence agencies show a North Korean guided missile patrol boat Wonsan carrying two Stormpetrel anti-ship cruise missiles in the Toejo Dong area on the country's east coast.

According to Fox News reported on August 7, the above journey of the North Korean missile took place just a few days ago.

Several US officials, who are familiar with the latest intelligence on North Korea, told Fox News that this is the first time Stormpetrel anti-ship cruise missiles have been loaded onto a patrol boat by North Korea since 2014.

According to US officials, this latest move shows that North Korea may be about to conduct a new missile test in the next few days, or this could be a defensive measure prepared by Pyongyang in case the US Navy sends more warships to the Korean peninsula area.

In addition, information about the appearance of North Korean anti-ship missiles also shows that Pyongyang seems to be indifferent to sanctions or strong warnings from Western countries, especially the United States.

“There is no evidence that North Korea plans to stop missile tests,” said an unnamed US official.

North Korea conducted two intercontinental ballistic missile tests in July, claiming that the missiles could reach the US mainland. The UN Security Council last week passed a resolution imposing sanctions on North Korea, but Pyongyang has vowed to respond to the sanctions.

According to Dan Tri