US test fires secret missile off CA

GREETINGS,

A dramatic image of the launch was captured on video on Monday evening by a KCBS news helicopter flying over Los Angeles.

Local news stations said the missile appeared to have been launched by a US Navy vessel.

However, the US Navy and the Air Force have not offered an explanation about the launch.

When contacted by media outlets, Navy officials said they were unaware of a missile launch in the cited area.

Colonel Dave Lapan, a Pentagon spokesman, said on Tuesday that it did not appear that the reported event was part of a “regularly scheduled missile test.”

Meanwhile, the US Northern Command said it had launched an investigation into the incident.

“At this time, we are unable to provide specific details, but we are working to determine the exact nature of this event. We can confirm that there is no indication of any threat to our nation and we will provide more information as it becomes available,” the military command said in a statement.

The report comes as the United States has been making efforts to upgrade its nuclear arsenal and unconventional weapons.

Meanwhile, the US-led foreign forces in Afghanistan have launched a massive military operation in the southern province of Kandahar, causing extensive damage — especially to civilian property.

The western military alliance has announced the test of new powerful weapons during the operation.

Witnesses said NATO bombs and missiles have damaged villagers’ houses and farms which are the residents’ only source of income.

The US military adventurism comes as the United Nations announced recently that Afghan civilian deaths had soared by over 30 percent in 2010 compared to the same period last year.