N. Korea preparing missile test ahead of joint drills-reports

North Korea may be preparing a missile launch ahead of joints-drill s report thereby increasing unease in the region and global peace.
Tensions on the Korean peninsula could bet set to once again spike as reports say Pyongyang could be preparing another missile test ahead of joint United States and South Korea military drills.

According to agency report, reports in South Korea and Japan say radar and radio signals indicate Pyongyang may be preparing another missile test.
At a Tuesday briefing, South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Noh Kyu-duk declined to confirm any imminent test, but he said they were watching carefully.

“Under close cooperation with our allies, such as the U.S. and Japan, our government is paying attention to the possibility of North Korea’s additional provocation and maintaining a thorough readiness posture,” said Noh.

The reports come as the U.S. and South Korea are preparing a five-day joint exercise called “Vigilant Ace” from December 4-8 with thousands of military personnel and more than 230 aircraft, including six F-22 Raptor fighter jets deployed to South Korea for the first time.
Pyongyang routinely condemns such military drills using belligerent language and military threats.

Russia’s envoy for the stand-off over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs says the joint U.S.-South Korea drills were preventing Pyongyang from engaging in direct talks.

Speaking at the opening of a regional conference in Seoul Monday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov said North Korea’s “restraint” in not engaging in nuclear and missile testing since September could have already lead to dialogue.