Thursday, November 16, 2006

Pakistan Tests Nuclear-Capable Missile

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Pakistan said it successfully test-fired a new version of its nuclear-capable medium-range missile Thursday, a show of power a day after peace talks with India that were criticized by domestic hard-liners.

The North Korean-designed Ghauri missile, also known as the Hatf 5, was launched to mark the end of military exercises at an undisclosed location, an army statement said. The missile with a range of 800 miles could easily strike deep into neighboring India, Pakistan's nuclear-armed foe.

The missile, based on the Soviet Scud, has been in service since 1998 and test-fired many times, most recently Oct. 12.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had watched the launch and congratulated scientists, engineers and the army for developing the new version of the missile, the statement said......

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