Training ... US soldiers from its Chemical Battalion give a demonstration of their gear in South Korea
NORTH Korea warned today that it has given its military “final approval” to
attack the US using “smaller, lighter” nuclear weapons.
The rogue state is threatening “merciless” strikes on US targets as tensions
ramp up between the North and South. NORTH Korea warned today that it has given its military “final approval” to
attack the US using “smaller, lighter” nuclear weapons.
The rogue state is threatening “merciless” strikes on US targets as tensions
ramp up between the North and South.
It follows America's announcement that it would send a missile defence system to its Pacific Ocean island territory of Guam. Two US destroyers able to intercept missiles are already in the region.
US National Security Council spokesman Caitlin Hayden said: “North Korea should stop its provocative threats and instead concentrate on abiding by its international obligations.”
A spokesman for the North’s Korean People’s Army said war could break out “today or tomorrow”. He added: “The moment of explosion is approaching fast.”
Alarming military movement has been detected in North Korea after the regime
moved what appeared to be a mid-range Musudan missile to its east coast.
Musudan missiles have a range of 1,875 miles (3,000 km) or more, which would put all of South Korea and Japan in range and possibly the US territory of Guam in the Pacific Ocean.
It is not clear if the missile was mounted with a warhead or whether the North was just putting on a show of force. Many experts believe North Korea is yet to have tested these mid-range missiles.
US soldiers from its Chemical Battalion have also given a demonstration of their military equipment and bio-suits in South Korea.
Gathered at Camp Stanley in Uijeongbu, north of Seoul, the battalion of around
250 soldiers provide nuclear, biological and chemical detection, equipment
decontamination and support to US and South Korean forces.
Earlier today, North Korea’s military said that troops had been authorised to counter US “aggression” with “powerful practical military counteractions,” including “cutting-edge smaller, lighter and diversified nuclear strike means”.
Its statement added: “The US had better ponder over the prevailing grave situation.”
The belligerent warning from Pyongyang is the latest in a series of escalating threats from North Korea, following new UN sanctions imposed on the regime after it carried out a third nuclear test in February.
As tensions escalated, the North yesterday stopped South Koreans crossing the
border to work at the jointly-run Kaesong factory park.
Meanwhile China-based North Korean news website Uriminzokkiri, which has close ties to Pyongyang, appears to have been hacked.
Its Twitter account had its photo changed to the mask logo of the Anonymous hacker group superimposed on the North Korean flag.
The website is currently inaccessible with companion sites also defaced. One site also showed a ‘Wanted’ poster with Kim Jong-un donning a Mickey Mouse tattoo and a pig’s nose and ears.
It follows America's announcement that it would send a missile defence system to its Pacific Ocean island territory of Guam. Two US destroyers able to intercept missiles are already in the region.
US National Security Council spokesman Caitlin Hayden said: “North Korea should stop its provocative threats and instead concentrate on abiding by its international obligations.”
A spokesman for the North’s Korean People’s Army said war could break out “today or tomorrow”. He added: “The moment of explosion is approaching fast.”
Security ... 250 US chem soldiers are based at Camp Stanley in Uijeongbu, north of capital Seoul
Concerns ... North Korea has threatened 'merciless' strikes on US targets
Escalating ... South Korean soldiers aboard tanks near the DMZ
Musudan missiles have a range of 1,875 miles (3,000 km) or more, which would put all of South Korea and Japan in range and possibly the US territory of Guam in the Pacific Ocean.
It is not clear if the missile was mounted with a warhead or whether the North was just putting on a show of force. Many experts believe North Korea is yet to have tested these mid-range missiles.
US soldiers from its Chemical Battalion have also given a demonstration of their military equipment and bio-suits in South Korea.
War games ... South Korean soldiers camouflage their military vehicle during an exercise
Preparation ... North Korea has warned about 'smaller and lighter' nuclear strikes
Earlier today, North Korea’s military said that troops had been authorised to counter US “aggression” with “powerful practical military counteractions,” including “cutting-edge smaller, lighter and diversified nuclear strike means”.
Its statement added: “The US had better ponder over the prevailing grave situation.”
The belligerent warning from Pyongyang is the latest in a series of escalating threats from North Korea, following new UN sanctions imposed on the regime after it carried out a third nuclear test in February.
Missile ... a Musudan missile in a North Korean military parade
Tension ... a North Korean soldier looks through binoculars in the DMZ dividing the two Koreas
Meanwhile China-based North Korean news website Uriminzokkiri, which has close ties to Pyongyang, appears to have been hacked.
Its Twitter account had its photo changed to the mask logo of the Anonymous hacker group superimposed on the North Korean flag.
The website is currently inaccessible with companion sites also defaced. One site also showed a ‘Wanted’ poster with Kim Jong-un donning a Mickey Mouse tattoo and a pig’s nose and ears.
Closed ... the Kaesong joint industrial complex seen over a North Korean military guard post
