US monitors N Korean rocket launch

WASHINGTON - Reuters

The U.S. is shifting warships into position to track and defend against North Korean rocket launch while urging Pyongyang to cancel its second such attempt this year, the head of the U.S. Pacific Command said on Dec. 6.

Admiral Samuel Locklear said warships were being moved to the locations to track the rocket during its launch and flight, which North Korea has set for sometime between Dec. 10 and 22. The U.S. is watching preparations for the launch “very closely,” he added. Similarly to the U.S., Japan has readied surface-to-air missiles in and around the capital, as well as in Okinawa, and has deployed Aegis warships in neighboring waters.