SEOUL: The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has transported its most advanced missile, believed to be capable of reaching Alaska, to a site where it could be ready for launch in a week or two, news reports said yesterday.

Pyongyang was also reportedly strengthening its defenses and conducting amphibious assault exercises along its western shore, near disputed waters where deadly naval clashes with the Republic of Korea (ROK) have occurred in the past.

With the launch, Pyongyang could also thumb its nose at UN Security Council attempts to rein it in after last week's nuclear test and a series of short-range missile launches.