U.S. threatens 'end of regime' for North Korea in case of nuclear weapons use
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (photo: Getty Images)
The United States has reminded North Korea that the use of nuclear weapons will lead to "the end of the regime" of current leader Kim Jong-un, says the White House statement.
According to the statement, during a meeting with counterparts in Seoul, the United States "reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to providing the Republic of Korea (ROK) with extended deterrence backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities, including nuclear."
"Any nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies is unacceptable and will lead to the end of the Kim regime, and the U.S. side reaffirmed that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response," it said.
DPRK launches intercontinental missile with satellite
At the end of May this year, the DPRK tried to launch a "spy satellite" Malligyong-1 into orbit, but the launch vehicle fell into the Yellow Sea.
Later, on June 16, South Korea recovered several parts of the rocket and satellite from the seabed. After analyzing the found parts, experts said that the satellite had no reconnaissance value at all.
On November 22, North Korea announced the successful launch of a ballistic missile with a spy satellite on board. Data from South Korea's intelligence agency indicate that the DPRK received assistance from Russia for the successful launch.
Pyongyang subsequently stated that interference with its satellites would mean a declaration of war.
