North Korean Missiles Intercepted

ABC News ^ | 12/10/02 | Tom Raum

[hoosierskypilot]

Hidden Scud Missiles Found; Ship May Have Been Yemen-Bound

W A S H I N G T O N, Dec. 10 — A ship carrying a dozen Scud-type missiles from North Korea was intercepted in the Arabian Sea today, U.S. officials said. They said the missiles were believed to be headed for Yemen.

The ship was stopped and boarded about 600 miles east of the Horn of Africa, the officials said. U.S. intelligence had been tracking the vessel closely, said U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The ship contained about a dozen short- to medium-range missiles, similar to the Scud missiles used by Iraq in the Persian Gulf War, the officials said. It also contained missile parts.

The ship allegedly carrying the missiles was stopped by two ships from the Spanish navy participating in Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led global anti-terrorism coalition, said Alberto Martinez Arias, a spokesman for Spain's Defense Ministry.

Crews from the Spanish ships, the Navarra and Patino, stopped the unflagged ship Sosan east of the island of Socotora and called U.S. authorities for assistance, Martinez said. The Spanish navy stopped and boarded the ship after its crew refused to identify themselves.

The North Korean captain of the Sosan initially told Spanish officials the ship was carrying cement. The Scuds were discovered shortly thereafter, Martinez said.

The ship was being held in the area while the search continued and as U.S. experts made sure that any explosive materials were neutralized, U.S. officials said.

[Paleo Conservative]

We should send them back to North Korea at high velocity.

[F-117A]

And who said we couldn't intercept missles?

[First Amendment]

A little while ago I heard on NPR (just about the only radio station I can hear in this little valley during the day - I hardly ever listen 'cause it makes me sick) that the N Korean vessel was probably taking the missles to Yemen, NOT to Iraq - they really stressed that. How the hell does NPR know where the ultimate destination was? Because the captain said they weren't for Iraq? Why do the liberals want to beatify Saddam? Why?

[El Gato]

I'm sure the Spainards just love and miss the Arabs, who they finally kicked out of their country in 1492. Although the influence, particularly in the architeture and some foods, is still there. (In the genes too of course, since the Arabs tend to rape and pillage in the places they take over)

[tubebender]

We should send them back to North Korea at high velocity.

Would AIR MAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY suffice ?

[Righty1]

Spain 1 vs France/BRD 0 in The War on Terror! Spain is at least trying. The only thing the french care about is preserving their trade edge with Iraq. If fraaance and doltland were any more useless the goose would have 4 teats.