WASHINGTON - The United States will deploy a land-based ballistic missile defense system to Guam in the coming weeks as a precautionary move to strengthen the regional defense posture against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) regional ballistic missile threats, the Defense Department announced Wednesday.

A Pentagon statement said the department will deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (THAAD), which includes a truck- mounted launcher, a complement of interceptor missiles, an AN/TPY- 2 tracking radar and an integrated fire control system. This deployment will strengthen defense capabilities for American citizens in the US territory of Guam and US forces stationed there, officials said.

The Pentagon said the United States continues to urge the DPRK leadership to "cease provocative threats and choose the path of peace" by complying with its international obligations, adding the US side remains vigilant in the face of such provocations, and stands ready to defend US territory, allies and national interests.

Earlier in the day, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said during a speech at the National Defense University that the US side is taking DPRK threats seriously and will continue to make measured responses to the bellicosity.