North Korea: Missile tests were practice to attack South, US

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

BY HYUNG-JIN KIM

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea’s military said Monday its recent barrage of missile tests were practices to “mercilessly” strike key South Korean and U.S. targets such as air bases and operation command systems with a variety of missiles that likely included nuclear-capable weapons.

The North’s announcement underscored leader Kim Jong Un’s determination not to back down in the face of his rivals’ push to expand their military exercises. But some experts say Kim also used their drills as an excuse to modernize his nuclear arsenal and increase his leverage in future dealings with Washington and Seoul.

North Korea fired dozens of missiles and flew warplanes toward the sea last week — triggering evacuation alerts in some South Korean and Japanese areas — in protest of massive U.S.-South Korean air force drills that the North views as an invasion rehearsal.

U.S. and South Korean officials responded they would further enhance their joint training events and warned the North that the use of nuclear weapons would result in the end of Kim’s regime.



This combination of photos provided by the North Korean government, shows what they say military operation held during Nov. 2-5, 2022, in North Korea. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/asia-pacific-south-korea-north-pyongyang-government-and-politics-be37c264c703b7963a46e8bcb385b8da

[dem4decades]

1. So they're practicing ending their own country? That's a bold stategy.

[DemocraticPatriot]

15. One has to wonder whether they will have any missiles left,

at the rate they are "test firing" them...

[Irish_Dem]

2. Kim Jong Un learned that threatening nukes buys huge leverage and political power.

Last edited Mon Nov 7, 2022, 09:44 AM - Edit history (1)

China, North Korea, Saudi have not missed the lesson being taught by Putin.

[bronxiteforever]

5. Also Russia threatening Ukraine with Nuclear weapons

has every state looking to defense and nuclear capabilities. Nuclear proliferation is guaranteed across the globe.

[Irish_Dem]

7. Exactly. The arms race on steroids now.

[bronxiteforever]

8. +1

[dutch777]

3. Missiles a concern for Japan but real problem is Seoul is within conventional artillery range

without the North Koreans ever moving across the border. The capital and its large (almost 10 mil) population is de facto hostage to NK whims. In the age of a nuclear capable NK I suppose the issue is somewhat moot, if one dies of a nuclear explosion or a barrage of conventional artillery, you are equally dead. And as someone else on this string noted, actually use of aggressive force by NK will be its death warrant, but never dare a crazy man to see what will happen.

[dembotoz]

4. selling arms to russia he perhaps feels putin has his back

and he might even have been told that.

[DemocraticPatriot]

16. But "talk is cheap"... nt

[mysteryowl]

6. So much death for the wildlife on land and in the oceans.

I think of all the sea life that would float up dead from the bombs. They have done this so many times.
Oh, it pains me so.

In honor of all the death and maiming of wildlife. May this madness stop!!

[AllaN01Bear]

9. we dont have to retaliate w nukes . we have conventional assets that do the same thing.

[doc03]

10. It's Kim's attempt to influence the election for the

Slob-father.

[peppertree]

11. Those two should get a room

[Gordolfon]

12. why is North Korea shooting missiles towards the water always news?

I’ve been hearing about North Korea, shooting missiles towards the water since I was a baby. Yet it is still treated like breaking news. Kim Jong-un might have been a bully to his people. but that's because he's a coward. he doesn't have balls to mess with US allies.

[Martin68]

14. It would be suicide.

[Martin68]

13. Billshit! The missile test are to blackmail the West into making concessions to the North Korean

government in spite of their nuclear weapons program, intercontinental ballistic missile program, and in spite of their inhumane treatment of the North Korean people.

[DemocraticPatriot]

17. Blah.

:::YAWN::::


The more missiles they "test fire" the better.
Each is one more they can never use on a real target...