(VOVWORLD) -Tension between the US and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has intensified with military moves and tough announcements from both sides. Observers say diplomatic measures are primary options to ease the tension.
North Korea launched 2 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) in July, a step forward in its plan to upgrade its strategic weapons and pose a nuclear threat to the US. The US Central Intelligence Agency reported that Pyongyang has successfully produced a miniaturized nuclear warhead that can fit inside an ICBM. The Japanese government has confirmed the information.
Tough talk of war from both sides
Tension was heightened when US President Donald Trump warned that he will unleash "fire and fury" on North Korea if it threatens the United States. His announcement was made after Pyongyang condemned UN sanctions and said it now has the ability to attack the US with nuclear weapons.
North Korea revealed a plan to fire 4 Hwangsong-12 missiles at the US territory of Guam in the Pacific. Last weekend, 3.5 million North Korean students, workers, and veterans registered to join the army.
US President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter on August 11 that “military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely. Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path!”
The Pentagon has detailed plans to launch preemptive attacks on North Korea’s missile facilities. B-1B bombers will depart from Andersen military base in Guam targeting North Korea’s missile launch fields, support facilities, and test sites. Adam Mount, a senior expert of the American Progress, said the US military could use a THAAD system installed on Guam or Aegis missiles installed on destroyers to counter North Korean missiles.
The US-South Korean annual joint military exercise Ulchi-Freedom Guardian scheduled for August 21 could add fuel to the fire. North Korea considers any joint military drill a rehearsal for invasion. One week before the drill, North Korea warned that any unexpected development could ignite a nuclear war on the Korean peninsula.
Support for diplomatic solutions
A military operation against North Korea would be disastrous. Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford said a war on the Korean peninsula would be tragic and lead to unprecedented losses. He said America is preparing military options in case diplomatic solutions and economic sanctions imposed on North Korea fail. US Secretary of Defense James Mattis and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Washington is willing to talk if North Korea also shows its willingness.