US military threat to N Korea

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s defence secretary warned North Korea yesterday of an “effective and overwhelming” response if it chose to use nuclear weapons, as he reassured South Korea of steadfast US support.

“Any attack on the United States, or our allies, will be defeated, and any use of nuclear weapons would be met with a response that would be effective and overwhelming,” Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said at South Korea’s defence ministry, at the end of a two-day visit.

Mattis’ remarks come amid concern North Korea could be readying to test a new ballistic missile.

North Korea, which regularly threatens to destroy South Korea and its main ally, the United States, conducted more than 20 missile tests last year, as well as two nuclear tests, in defiance of UN resolutions and sanctions.

The North also appears to have restarted operation of a reactor at its main Yongbyon nuclear facility which produces plutonium that can be used for its nuclear weapons programme, according to the US think-tank 38 North.

North Korea’s actions have prompted the United States and South Korea to respond by bolstering defences, including the expected deployment of a US missile defence system, known as Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (Thaad), in South Korea later this year.

Once fully developed, a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) could threaten the United States, which is about 9 000km from North Korea.

ICBMs have a minimum range of about 5 500km, but some can travel 10 000km or more.

Former US officials and other experts have said the United States essentially has two options when it comes to trying to curb North Korea’s fast-expanding nuclear and missile programmes – negotiate or take military action.

Neither is certain of success and the military option is fraught with danger, especially for Japan and South Korea, US allies in close proximity to North Korea.

Mattis is due in Japan later on Friday. — Reuters