Pentagon Warns Of War, N Korea Holds ‘Guam Strike’ Briefing

Local Editor

As the Pentagon warned that any strike against the US could "very quickly" escalate into war, North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, urged Washington to make the "right choice" and avert any confrontation.

His comments came after he was briefed on the plans of an "enveloping" strike on the US territory of Guam.

Meanwhile, North Korean General Kim Rak-gyom briefed Kim on the Strategic Force's plan for an "enveloping fire at Guam at the command post."

After studying the plan "for a long time" and having "discussed it" with commanding officers, the North Korean leader ordered the army to be fire-ready should he and the ruling party make the decision to further demonstrate his country's military power.

At the same time, though, Kim urged the US leadership to pursue de-escalation efforts in the ongoing tensions.

"The United States, which was the first to bring numerous strategic nuclear equipment near us, should first make the right decision and show through actions if they wish to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula and prevent a dangerous military clash," Kim was cited as saying in a report by state news outlet, KCNA.

During Kim's visit to the Command of the Strategic Force of the Korean People's Army [KPA], the North Korean leader further urged the US to stop its "arrogant provocations against the DPRK," including making "unilateral demands."

Tensions between the US and North Korea soared to new heights last week, following a series of Donald Trump comments in which he threatened to unleash "fire and fury" if Pyongyang continued to threaten the US with nuclear weapons.

On Monday, the Pentagon made clear that a Pyongyang missile fired at the US would be considered a declaration of war.

"If they fire at the United States, it could escalate into a war very quickly," Defense Secretary James Mattis told reporters. He added, however, that if the projectile does not pose any immediate threat it would be up to politicians to decide what to do next.

"War is up to the president, and perhaps up to Congress," Mattis said. "The bottom line is we will defend the country from attack."

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team