Seoul: South Korea is to end its search for debris from North Korea’s failed rocket launch without finding any fragments, its defence ministry said.
Muddy waters in the Yellow Sea, over which the rocket disintegrated on Friday, hampered the search of naval ships and helicopters, officials said.
The North said the rocket would launch a satellite, but critics saw it as a banned test of missile technology.
The UN on Monday strongly condemned the launch and ordered tighter sanctions.
At least 10 South Korean warships have been combing the waters where the Unha-3 rocket fell after exploding, 165km (105 miles) west of the South Korean capital, Seoul.
“No debris has been found and the operation will end officially at 17:00 (08:00 GMT),” a defence ministry spokesman was quoted by AFP news agency as saying.
Vessels from China, Russia and the US have also been searching for rocket debris, South Korean officials have said. Experts say the debris could offer an insight into the technology used by the North.
The North had warned before the launch that any attempts by other nations to retrieve any debris would result in “ruthless” retaliation.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription