North Korea said preparing missile launch

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PYONGYANG, North Korea, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- North Korea is preparing to launch a new ballistic missile the Japanese Kyodo news agency reported Friday, quoting Japanese government sources.

"Given their size and shape, the components transferred by train from an ammunition factory near Pyongyang appear to be for a three-stage rocket," Kyodo quoted sources in the Japanese secret services as saying.

The components are being transferred by train to the Tongchang-ri site in North Pyongan province, ITAR-Tass reported.

The missile, believed similar to one launched from Tongchang-ri in April 2012, may be launched by the end of the year, Japanese experts said.

"While no missile is set on a launch pad yet, there are activities likely to be related to rocket fueling," the Kyodo agency reported, citing information from a U.S. surveillance satellite.

The April launch was a failure as the Unha-3 carrier disintegrated moments after it was launched.

Resolution 1874 of the U.N. Security Council prohibits North Korea from ballistic missile activity and the April launch attempt brought international condemnation.