Politics
07:32, 10-Aug-2017
DPRK says missiles will be able to strike Guam by mid-August
["other","north america","DPRK"]
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The DPRK is working on plans for a missile strike near the US Pacific territory of Guam, calling President Donald Trump's warning of "fire and fury" a "load of nonsense" and that only "absolute force can work on him."
Pyongyang's state-run KCNA news agency issued an update on its strike plans after Trump's incendiary comments on Tuesday that threats to the United States from Pyongyang would be met with "fire and fury."
Trump's unexpected remarks prompted the DPRK to say it was considering plans to fire four intermediate-range missiles to land 30-40 kilometers (18-25 miles) from Guam, home to about 163,000 people and a US military base that includes a submarine squadron, an air base and a Coast Guard group.
The army will complete its plans in mid-August, ready for DPRK leader Kim Jong Un's order, KCNA said on Wednesday, citing General Kim Rak Gyom, commander of the Strategic Force of the Korean People's Army.
The DPRK launched two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) in July sparking international outcry. /AFP Photo
The DPRK launched two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) in July sparking international outcry. /AFP Photo
The news agency said Trump "let out a load of nonsense about 'fire and fury'," adding that "sound dialogue is not possible with such a guy bereft of reason and only absolute force can work on him."
US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis issued a stark warning earlier on Wednesday, telling Pyongyang the United States and its allies would win any arms race or conflict.
"The DPRK should cease any consideration of actions that would lead to the end of its regime and the destruction of its people," Mattis said in a statement.
Seoul weighs in on Pyongyang's threat
In response to the DPRK's threat, Seoul issued an unusual warning, saying attacking South Korea and its ally the United States will come at a heavy price.
In a statement, South Korea's military spokesman Roh Jae-cheon said the allies are ready to counter Pyongyang's provocation immediately and sternly. If the DPRK provokes, it will face "strong and resolute retaliation" from the allies, Roh warned.
"It's a serious challenge to our people and the South Korea-US alliance," he said.
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Source(s): Reuters