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US destroyers deployed forward to waters near DPRK

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-03-12 17:19

SEOUL -- US destroyers loaded with missiles capable of intercepting flying missiles or rockets were deployed forward to waters near the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported on Thursday.

The report came after DPRK's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported early on the day that its government has informed international organizations of its launching plan of a satellite.

The USS Chafee, a US Navy guided missile destroyer, is seen at a South Korean naval port in Donghae, about 190 km (118 miles) east of Seoul, March 12, 2009. [Agencies]

According to Yonhap, at least six US navy ships participating in a joint military drill between South Korea and the United States were deployed around South Korea. Among the six destroyers, the USS Chafee and the USS Stetham are operating near South Korea's Donghae Harbor about 130 km south of the inter-Korean border.

Yonhap quoted experts as saying that the 9,200-ton Aegis guided USS Chefee normally carries SM-3 missile interceptors and Tomahawks.

Related readings:  Yonhap: DPRK likely to fire a rocket from April 4-8  DPRK vows to protect sovereignty  DPRK Premier to visit China  DPRK troops on standby for war

US Lieutenant Commander Choi Hee-dong, chief of the Aegis-guided USS Chafee, told Yonhap on Thursday that the Chafee was deployed for the military drill, but there was also a contingency such as a missile launch that could force "a subtle change of plan. "

"We've been instructed on various scenarios before arriving here," Choi said.

Earlier reports said the United States and Japan might attempt an interception no matter whether the DPRK launches a missile or a rocket.

The DPRK warned on Monday that any interception of its carrier rocket will lead to a war.

Chafee and a fleet of US navy ships, including the USS nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Stennis, are participating in a massive joint military drill with South Korea from Monday to next Friday. About 26,000 US troops join the exercise.