US To Deploy More Ground-Based Missile Interceptors As North Korea Steps Up Threats -- NBC News
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will announce Friday that the U.S. is deploying 14 new ground-based missile interceptors, probably in Alaska, defense officials told NBC News.
The officials didn't say specifically why the interceptors were being deployed, but the announcement comes as North Korea has been making bellicose threats to void the armistice that ended the Korean War and launch a nuclear attack on the U.S.
The U.S. and South Korea began annual military drills this week despite the North Korean threats.
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MIDDLE EAST
UN agency says number of Syria refugees up 10 percent in a week in a ‘staggering escalation’.
Syrians mark two-year anniversary of uprising.
Syria threatens to strike at rebels in Lebanon.
Israel: Syria set to use chemical weapons.
Ambassador: US providing $114 million in aid to Syrian rebels.
France dials up pressure on US to arm Syrian rebels.
Dozens injured as violence flares in Bahrain.
Clashes mark Iraq anti-government protests.
Analysis: Obama won't trip over Netanyahu's Iran "red line".
Greek shipping magnate named in scheme to evade sanctions on Iranian oil.
Israel PM Netanyahu signs coalition deal. Israel 'to unveil new government' ahead of Barack Obama visit.
Middle East in turmoil 10 years after Iraq invasion that officials said would bring peace.
ASIA
Now it's our turn! North Korea fires missiles into Sea of Japan after South flexes military might in latest tit for tat displays of strength.
North Korea test-fires two short-range missiles - reports.
North Korea's Kim Jong-un 'was target of assassination attempt'.
N. Korea likely to provoke South this year.
Xi Jinping sweeps to power in China. China appoints Li Keqiang as new premier. Li Keqiang named as China's prime minister.
Obama reaches out to China's new president.
Pakistan police detain child 'bombers'.
UN says US drones violate Pakistan's sovereignty.
Japan seeks to join U.S.-led Pacific trade talks, reform hopes rise.
Japan PM dismisses WWII war crimes trials as 'victors' justice'.
AFRICA
Tuareg rebels seek to stamp control on northern Mali.
Zimbabwe MDC politician Sten Zvorwadza beaten in Mbare.
Egypt's Islamists warn giving women some rights could destroy society.
Tunisian lawmakers set timetable for constitution, elections.
US: Islamic extremists move between Nigeria, Mali.
CAR gov't condemns rebel advance after peace deal.
UN eases sanctions on non-lethal military aid to Libya but warns of illegal weapons threat.
Christians in Libya being rounded up and beaten.
Malawi: Peter Mutharika and 'coup plotters' get bail.
Online war erupts in Kenya after peaceful vote.
South Africa: 'up to 28% of schoolgirls HIV positive'.
EUROPE
EU divided on sending arms to Syria rebels. Syria: arm rebels or we will, Cameron to tell EU. France, Britain to arm Syrian rebels ‘even without EU support’.
Vatican defends Pope Francis against Argentina ‘dirty war’ allegations.
Romania's ethnic Hungarians march to demand more autonomy.
Britain's Cameron says pope is wrong on the Falklands.
Greek anarchists claim small blast at Athens courier firm.
EU summit begins amid anti-austerity protests.
EU leaders to clash over austerity measures at summit as unemployment accelerates.
European leaders confront new economic concerns.
Fragile Portugal gets more time on bailout goals.
Insight: Liberal governor engulfed by Putin's Russia.
Pope urges leaders of crisis-hit Church not to be discouraged.
AMERICAS
U.S. to bolster missile defenses to counter North Korea threat: source.
Venezuelans flood streets for another Chavez coffin parade.
In rarity, Obama, VP Biden may be out of U.S. at same time next week.
Venezuela's opposition ground down by Chavistas.
Argentine president seeks pontiff’s influence over Falklands.
Colombian rebels blow up biggest coal exporter's railway.
Honduras complains about 'threatening' El Salvador, Nicaragua boats.
'Too late' to embalm body of Hugo Chavez.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Appeals court rejects CIA’s argument over acknowledging drone operations.
Libya detains terror suspect in Benghazi attack.
US army vet joined Al Qaeda Affiliate in Syria; pro-Assad group claims he's dead.
Al-Qaeda lacks expertise for cyberwar, expert tells MPs.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Google facing online backlash from irate users after it kills off Reader app.
Ex-JP Morgan chief Ina Drew says not to blame for losses.
Thomson Reuters editor Matthew Keys faces hacking charges.
Carnival Dream turns to nightmare after another cruise power disaster.
Interior Department: ‘Shell screwed up’ drilling in Arctic.
Galaxy S4 launch: Samsung pins hopes on eye-tracking in battle with Apple.