North Korea has moved two more missile launchers to its east coast,

North Korea has moved two more missile launchers to its east coast, where preparations are apparently under way for a missile test as tensions simmer on the peninsula, Yonhap news agency said.

Expectations had been high that Pyongyang would carry out a test to coincide with celebrations marking the birth of North Korea’s late founding leader Kim Il-Sung on April 15 but it did not materialize.

The North Korean military last week moved two launchers believed to be for Scud missiles to the northeast province of South Hamgyong, Yonhap news agency said, citing a senior Seoul official.

Previously, the North was reported to have moved seven missile launchers to its coast facing the East Sea (Sea of Japan) in apparent preparations for a test that would further escalate tensions.

April 25 could be another possible date for a missile launch, the report said, quoting military officials in Seoul. April 25 is the founding anniversary of the North’s military.

The Musudan — seen as most likely to be tested — has an estimated range of 2,500 to 4,000 kilometers, enough to reach South Korea and Japan and potentially US military bases on the Pacific island of Guam.

US President Barack Obama has expressed doubt over the North’s capabilities, saying last week he did not believe Pyongyang could yet arm a missile with a nuclear warhead.

Source AP