US satellite detects 'unusual' 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 a few days ago, even though Washington had previously suggested Pyongyang may have temporarily halted its controversial missile tests.

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

Satellite imagery from U.S. intelligence agencies shows a North Korean guided-missile patrol boat, the Wonsan, carrying two Stormpetrel anti-ship cruise missiles in the Toejo Dong area off the country's east coast.

According to Fox News on August 7th, the aforementioned trajectory of the North Korean missile occurred just a few days ago.

Several U.S. officials with access to the latest intelligence regarding North Korea told Fox News that this is the first time North Korea has deployed Stormpetrel anti-ship cruise missiles on patrol boats since 2014.

According to US officials, this latest move suggests that North Korea may be preparing to conduct a new missile test in the coming days, or it could be a defensive measure Pyongyang is taking in case the US Navy deploys more warships to the Korean Peninsula region.

Furthermore, information about the appearance of North Korean anti-ship missiles also suggests that Pyongyang seems unconcerned about sanctions or stern warnings from Western countries, especially the United States.

"There is no evidence to suggest that North Korea plans to halt its missile tests," a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said.

In July, North Korea conducted two consecutive tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles and claimed the missiles' range could reach US territory. Last week, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution imposing sanctions on North Korea, but Pyongyang has vowed to retaliate against these sanctions.

According to Dan Tri