A South Korean newspaper has reported that an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) has been brought to an assembly hall at a new launch site on North Korea’s northwest coast.

According to the JoongAng Ilbo the missile appears to be a larger version of the Taepodong 2 rocket that North Korea is believed to have fired on April 5.

The medium-range missiles are considered threats to South Korea and Japan, which both lie in their ranges.

Tensions with North Korea escalated with the April missile launch and a nuclear test last week, both of which have brought world-wide condemnation.

Despite the criticism North Korea fired six short-range missiles after the nuclear test, its second after an initial one in 2006, and now appears to be preparing to launch another long-range missile.

The United States fears that if the Taepodong undergoes further technical development that it could be equipped with a nuclear warhead and could reach western US territory.