South Korea Warns Of New Round Of North's Provocations

South Korea has voiced fears its nuclear neighbor may carry out yet another round of military provocations, including a rumored intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test soon, according to local media reports Thursday.



North Korea has allegedly placed a pair of suspected ICBM on mobile launchers, local media cited military officials in Seoul as saying.



The South's acting leader, Hwang Kyo-ahn, said: "Chances are high that North Korea can undertake various military provocations to disrupt the strong international sanctions leveled against it and to probe our government's readiness posture."



Hwang has been in charge of South Korea since President Park Geun-hye's impeachment last month.



His comments came during an open security meeting in Seoul Thursday, where he also highlighted the risk of North Korean cyber meddling in the South's planned presidential election this year.



The North's leader, Kim Jong-un, began the year by warning his reclusive state is close to having the capability of launching an ICBM.



Pyongyang repeatedly ignored international restrictions in 2016 by carrying out two nuclear tests and firing a series of rockets and missiles into open water.



Any ICBM test would be watched closely to establish how far Pyongyang has been able to develop its missile technology.



According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korean officials believe North Korea may have "intentionally leaked" details of its supposed ICBMs as part of a strategy to test Donald Trump, who is set to take oath as president Friday.



"We remain vigilant as the North could fire a missile at any time and place determined by its leadership," the South's joint chiefs of staff told the agency.



Any such missile test would inevitably be seen as a challenge to the U.S., especially as Trump has raised doubts over Washington's future military commitment to Seoul. -