North Korea Calls Hawaii and U.S. Mainland Targets

[Paul E Ester]

3. Pentagon Condemns North Korean Threats

The Pentagon is warning North Korea to stop threatening to fire artillery at South Korea and U.S. bases in the Pacific. U.S. defense officials say U.S. forces are ready to respond to any aggression by the North.

North Korea’s statement said it is assigning rockets and long-range artillery to attack U.S. targets in places like Hawaii, Guam, and South Korea is rhetoric of the type that has been heard before. But Pentagon spokesman George Little told reporters the Defense Department is taking the threats very seriously.

“North Korea’s bellicose rhetoric and threats follow a well-worn pattern designed to raise tensions and intimidate others," said Little. "North Korea will achieve nothing by threats or provocations, which will only further isolate North Korea and undermine international efforts to ensure peace and stability in Northeast Asia.”

Little said U.S. forces are ready to respond to any contingency.

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