New York Times: Mattis Leaves the Door Open to Military Options in North Korea
WASHINGTON — The United States and its allies have not shot down any North Korean missiles because Pyongyang has yet to launch one that directly threatens American or Japanese territory, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Monday.
But he said that could change. North Korean missiles have been falling “in the middle of the ocean,” Mr. Mattis said. “Were they to be aimed at Guam, or U.S. territory,” he added, “that would elicit a different response.”
The defense secretary also said he believed that the United States had found military options to handle the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula that would not put the South Korean capital, Seoul, at grave risk, though he refused to elaborate on what those might be.
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WNU Editor: I did not expect (nor do I expect) US Defense Secretary to say that they will shoot down North Korean missiles .... why give the North Koreans a heads-up. But what I found interesting from yesterday's news was this admission .... Pentagon chief says he was asked about reintroducing tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea (Washington Post). The South Koreans are clearly worried.
More News On U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis' Remarks On North Korea
Mattis: No need yet to shoot down NKorean missiles -- AP
Mattis hints at military options on North Korea but offers no details -- Reuters
US considers shooting down NK missiles that don't pose a direct threat -- CNN
US to act on North Korea rockets that pose threat, says Jim Mattis -- Livemint/Bloomberg
