North Korean threat: 3 Patriot missiles deployed in Tokyo

Tokyo, April 9: In view of the threat posed by

,

deployed missile interceptors at three sites here on Tuesday. Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)

were stationed in Ichigaya, Narashino and Asaka.

According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, the PAC-3s have been deployed to shoot down any incoming missile. He told newsperons that the Japanese government is not keen to reveal details about the deployment of the Patriot surface-to-air missiles as "It would show our strategy to North Korea."

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that all Japanese citizens would be protected from possible North Korean aggression. He added that the country's armed forces are making "utmost efforts" to ensure no one gets hurt in the event of missiles being launched against Japan.

A defence ministry official informed that Aegis destroyers equipped with interceptor missiles have been moved to the Sea of Japan.

It is worth noting that North Korea has advised all foreigners based in South Korea to think about relocating to another place shortly. On Tuesday, the Asia-Pacific Peace Committee urged staff of multinational companies, foreign organisations and tourists to immediately leave if war breaks out on the Korean peninsula. Earlier, diplomats were warned that Pyongyang cannot ensure their safety after April 10.

The United States made it clear on Monday that a fourth nuclear test or the launch of a ballistic missile by North Korea would be "in direct violation of UN Security Council resolutions, and would lead to further pressure and isolation."

State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell stressed that "we would strongly discourage (North Korea) against that course of action."

OneIndia News