More NORK missiles, strong ROK response

High Mobility Artillery Rocket System

Well, the Norks keep launching missiles in protest over the previously scheduled ROK-US exercises, claiming the US is practicing to invade. Yawn.

The ROK  defense minister, Lee Jong-sup met with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin this week, and showing how thoroughly intimidated all parties are, agreed to extend the exercises.

However, North Korea has warned the decision to extend the air drills would spark “an uncontrollable phase,” South Korean media reported.

In a further sign of the tensions, both Austin and Lee said the alliance’s nuclear and conventional deterrents are in play, while Lee also warned that if Kim Jong Un uses nuclear weapons it would result in the end of his regime.

“Secretary Austin and I affirm that any nuclear attack by the DPRK, including the use of tactical nuclear weapons is unacceptable and would result in the end of the Kim Jong Un regime by the overwhelming and decisive response of the alliance,” Lee said. “This is a strong warning against the DPRK.”

Military Times

I suspect, for once, the grunts on the ground might agree with the bad guys – after a coupla weeks playing war, it’s nice to hang it up and go home, and disappointing to find out it ain’t happening. But it is also nice to see some cojones expressed, even if only in agreement with an ally’s ballsiness, essentially telling a madman to go piss up a rope.

Category: Korea, None, North Korea