The alleged use of special operations troops in the raid could signal a shift away from the controversial U.S.tactic of relying on long-range missile assaults to take out terrorist targets.

VOA: standard.2009.09.15

North Korea pulled out of the talks earlier this year. It also tested both a long-range missile and nuclear explosive earlier in the year, in violation of United Nations sanctions.

VOA: standard.2009.10.05

about the health of Kim Jong Il. The North Korean leader remained out of sight for a number of significant occasions, including the launch of a long-range rocket that angered the international community.

VOA: standard.2009.12.30