North Korea is thought to be preparing to launch a ballistic missile ahead of a joint naval drill by the United States and South Korea set to begin Oct. 16, The Dong-A Ilbo reported Oct. 14, citing a South Korean government source. According to the report, satellite pictures show ballistic missiles mounted on launchers being transported out of hangars near Pyongyang and North Pyongan province; the missiles could be capable of reaching U.S. territory. The naval exercises could well trigger more North Korean missile tests or a stronger military counteraction from the North, as demonstrated by a renewed North Korean threat Oct. 13 that it could launch missiles near the U.S. territory of Guam .