A government official says all missile launch facilities installed at a North Korean base in Gangwon Province have recently been removed.

North Korea fired six Scud and Rodong missiles in early July from the Gitdaeryong base in the province and deployed several large vehicles there early this month, raising concern about another possible launch.

The official downplayed the possibility of a visit to China by North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, citing lack of movement of his special train.