North Korean top generals briefed the country's leader on a plan a strike on the US Pacific territory of Guam, state media says.
However, the report on state news agency KCNA has urged Washington to make the "right choice" saying Kim Jong-un would watch US actions before making a decision on "the enveloping fire at Guam".
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," KCNA cited Kim as saying.
There has been a sharp escalation in rhetoric between the US and the North, after Donald Trump's provocative comments in which he threatened to unleash "fire and fury" on North Korea.
In response, Pyongyang threatened that a plan was being drawn up to fire four missiles into the sea off Guam.
Guam, a 541sq km volcanic island between the Philippines and Hawaii, is a "non-incorporated" US territory, that means people born in Guam are US citizens, have an elected governor and House Representative, but cannot vote for a president in US national elections.
The Island with a population of about 163,000 hosts US military bases that cover about a quarter of its territories and. About 6,000 personnel are based there and there.
Missile Attack Declaration of War
Pentagon says potential North Korean strike at US bases in Guam 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."
Stressing that US military would know the trajectory of a missile "within moments," Mattis promised take out any missile that is headed towards Guam.
Prior to Mattis' statement, Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Washington is ready to use the "full range" of its capabilities if provoked by North Korea.
Dunford is currently on a diplomatic mission to Asia to muster support for American actions against North Korea. On Monday, the General landed in China after visiting South Korea.
World Concerned over US-North Korea Tensions
Many states across the world have been urging calm and a renewed push for diplomatic resolutions.
On Tuesday South Korean President Moon Jae-in said that the US should not act unilaterally on the Korean peninsula, and that consent was crucial before any military action.
"Military action on the Korean peninsula can only be decided by South Korea and no one else can decide to take military action without the consent of South Korea," Moon said in a speech to commemorate the anniversary of the nation's liberation from Japanese military rule in 1945.
China and Russia have also repeatedly called on both Washington and Pyongyang to come to the negotiating table to defuse the rapidly escalating tensions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called Trump Saturday to urge restraint regarding the North Korean crisis, advising both the US and N. Korea to avoid words or actions that could worsen the situation.
On Monday, the Russian foreign ministry, through its spokeswoman, once again urged all parties to avoid belligerent rhetoric which could lead to a nuclear war.
"We have repeatedly said that the situation is on edge. But despite this, we hear both the rhetoric of Pyongyang and the statements coming every day from Washington. The paradox is that they are identical. It is an open threat of use of force from both sides," Maria Zakharova said in an interview with a Latvian radio station.
LINK: https://www.ansarpress.com/english/8030
TAGS:
online news tv
