A Japanese soldier guards at PAC-3 antiaircraft missile. (Photo: EPA)

Pyongyang says the destruction of the rocket that is carrying a satellite would be considered an act of war. It stressed that it would respond strongly. The statement was made by a spokesperson for the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea in Pyongyang on Thursday. The Korean Central News Agency quoted the spokesperson as saying that the Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite, which the North is planning to launch later this month, is for peaceful purposes and for scientific research. The spokesperson added that Pyongyang has ensured the legality and transparence of the launch, insisting intercepting the satellite would be an act of war and there would be serious consequences.
Pyongyang plans to launch the Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite next week to mark the 100^th anniversary of the birth of its late leader, Kim Il Sung.