Pyongyang declares no-sail zone on the East Sea

North Korea has declared the East Sea near Wonsan, Gangwon Province as no-sail zone from Nov. 11 to Dec. 7. South Korean military authority is now preparing for the possible missile launch by Pyongyang.

South Korea’s military sources said Sunday that the newly-declared no-sail zone this time is larger than the one declared in April (on the East Sea) and in June (on the East and West Seas). Pyongyang’s move hints that it could make test launches for its multiple reentry vehicle or new ballistic missile. Since its landmine provocation on the demilitarize zone in August, the North has reportedly declared no-sail zone on the East Sea every month.

North Korea is known to have technology related with multiple re-entry missiles. At its formal military inspection in October, which was made in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Workers` Party, the North disclosed an improved version of its inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) KN-08. The improved missile is said to have stubbier warhead than that of KN-08 and small holes and wings on its surface. Pyongyang was expected to make its test launch of ICBM either on the day of Kim Il Sung’s birthday (Day of the Sun on April 15) or on party’s 70th anniversary day. Some predict that it would make a test launch of its submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). The North succeeded in shooting out SLBM in May.

When Pyongyang declared no-sail zone on June, it fired three KN-01 missiles into the air near Wonsan. North’s declaration of no-sail zone doesn’t necessarily mean its missile launch. Even after the deployment of its ship-to-ship missile of 300-millimeter multiple rocket launcher, North Korea didn’t make actual launch. So far, no signs have been detected that Pyongyang’s missile launch is imminent such as deployment of transporter erector launcher (TEL). The test launch of SLBM is highly unlikely. Its construction for SLBM sea launch at Sinpo shipyard, South Hamgyong Province is said not to have been completed. “The declaration this time could be targeted for its annual military exercise but we are now considering multiple possibilities, keeping eyes on North Korean military,” South Korean military sources said.