At the Pentagon, American and South Korean officials warn DPRK about recent nuclear threats
The U.S. and South Korea issued a joint warning to North Korea that any use of nuclear weapons would result in the end of Kim Jong Un’s regime.
U.S. Secretary of State Lloyd Austin III and his counterpart the South Korean Defense Minister Jong-Sup Lee met for the 54th Security Consultative Meeting.
On Thursday, at the Pentagon both officials held a joint press conference.
“Secretary Austin and I affirm that any nuclear attack by DPRK including the use of tactical nuclear weapons is unacceptable and result in the end of Kim Jong-un regime by the overwhelming and decisive response of the alliance,” Lee said. “This is a strong warning against the DPRK.
Just one day prior, North Korea fired an unprecedented 20 missiles in a single day on Wednesday amid joint air force exercises between the U.S. and South Korea.
Additionally, Kim’s regime has also made veiled threats about nuclear weapons in recent days.
“The United States remains fully committed to the defensive of the ROK and our extended deterrence commitment is firm, and it includes a full range of our nuclear and conventional and missile defense capabilities,” said Austin.
South Korean media reported that officials believe the North’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) failed in flight, however, they did not elaborate.
Meanwhile, North Korea’s two short-range ballistic missiles fell into the sea to its east.
The U.S. and South Korea’s joint air force exercise, dubbed ‘Operation Vigilant Storm’ was scheduled to end Friday but following North Korea’s launches—it will now extend into the weekend.
