Guam’s residents patriotic but worried over verbal spat

HAGATNA: The tiny US territory of Guam feels a strong sense of patriotism and confidence in the American military, which has an enormous presence on the Pacific island. But residents are increasingly worried over Washington’s escalating war of words with North Korea.

The people of Guam woke up yesterday to another pointed threat from Pyongyang, which vowed to complete a plan to attack waters near the island by mid-August – adding a timeline to a threat from a day earlier that North Korea would create an “enveloping fire” around Guam.

Like other US territories, Guam has a sometimes complicated relationship with the US mainland but many across the island say despite the threats and concerns they feel reassured and protected by the military – especially in times of tense, geopolitical sparring.

The American military presence on Guam consists of two bases – Andersen Air Force Base in the north and Naval Base Guam in the south – which are home to 7,000 US troops.

“I feel that the presence of the military on Guam will help us a lot,” said Virgie Matson, 51, a resident of Dededo, Guam’s most populated village.

“They are here to protect the islands, just in case something happens.”

The possibility of a nuclear confrontation is considered remote but international alarm has been escalating in recent days. In the latest development, Gen Kim Rak Gyom, who heads North Korea’s rocket command, said in a statement carried by state media that his country was “about to take” military action near Guam.

He said the North would finalise a plan by mid-August to fire four mid-range missiles hitting waters 30 to 40km away from the island.

It’s not the first time North Korea has threatened Guam, which is a crucial, strategic hub for US forces in the Pacific.

Andersen Air Force Base houses a Navy helicopter squadron and Air Force bombers that rotate to Guam from the U.S. mainland, including the B-2 stealth bomber, B-1 and B-52.

Their location in a US territory means its military is just hours from potential flashpoints in the western Pacific. — AP