North Korea’s Nuclear Threat Made During U.S.-South Korea Military Drill

On Monday March 7, 2016, North Korea stated it would use its nuclear arsenal to target the United States (U.S.) and South Korea as the two countries conduct their annual joint military drills. The North Korean administration claims the joint exercise of 300,000 South Korean and 17,000 U.S. forces is a preliminary engagement for war.

In preparation for the exercise and the ongoing threats made by North Korea to the U.S. the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard was deployed to Busan, South Korea and has 4,000 sailors and marines on board. An additional 55 marine aircraft are expected to be deployed to South Korea for the exercise as well.

The two exercises “Key Resolve” and “Foal Eagle” will run to April 30, and Foal Eagle will conduct exercises that include ground, air, naval, and special operations for both the U.S. and South Korea.

North Korea’s National Defense Commission made it clear to both nations that “preemptive and offensive nuclear strike” would be made if the exercises commenced on Monday. A statement read by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) from North Korean officials stated, “enemies are working with blood shot eyes to infringe upon the dignity, sovereignty, and vital rights of the country.”

North Korea has increasingly expressed alarmed when it learned the joint U.S. – South Korean exercise was aimed at the leadership in North Korea. Operations Plan 5015 (OPLAN) signed last year between the U.S. and South Korea detailed the exercise, designed around to a response to a potential North Korean attack. The proposed exercise featured both the North Korean government in addition to it’s missile and nuclear program. Officials from the U.S. and South Korea deny that the exercise is aimed at escalating tensions between the nations.

North Korean President Kim Jung Un made a statement to KCNA noted, “under the extreme situation the U.S. imperialists is misusing its military influence and pressuring other countries and people to start war and catastrophe, the only way for our people to protect sovereignty and the right to live is to strengthen the quality and quantity of our nuclear program.”

Kim has long made threats to the U.S. for years, including taking action against the United States in wake of a 2013 joint military exercise and for the 2014 Sony hacking incident.  South Korea has been the target of repeated nuclear threats from North Korea  since 1994, with the North claiming to send them into a sea of fire. North Korea has a history of engaging in a form of nuclear blackmail in order to intimidate the West into providing aid, and given the very attractive package provided to it’s Iranian ally in exchange for negotiations, there’s no doubt North Korea believes now is the time to seek concessions. However North Korean brinkmanship always carries with it the concerning possibility that a miscalculation by one or more parties may lead to unintended conflict.

Tensions between North Korea and South Korea escalated further when the United Nations added additional sanctions to North Korea in an effort to destroy its financial means of supporting nuclear and missile defense programs. North Korea responded hours later by firing several short -range missiles into the sea.

In February, North Korea launched several missiles over Japanese air space and also tested what they claimed was a hydrogen bomb, in violation  of U.N.’s regulations. South Korean Defense Ministry Spokesman Moon Sang Gyun told reporters, “If North Korea launches a provocation, our military will respond sternly and mercilessly.”

North Korea’s hydrogen bomb test was the fourth successful nuclear test the country has run over the past decade. Three previous tests were conducted in 2006, 2009, and 2013. Iran is a major partner of North Korea’s nuclear program, and has been known to utilize North Korean produced missiles in their program.

North Korea’s tactics have even put its closest ally China on edge. When Chinese officials were asked about the hydrogen bomb test without being notified one official stated, “it was risky, irresponsible, and reckless.”

Kim’s threats despite the credibility are always going to be taken seriously especially by South Korea. His erratic and brutal behavior makes him capable of anything. This multi-national exercise is a great way for nations to display unity while combating tyranny. The training South Korea receives today will keep the nation alert and prepared and combat a ruler whose unpredictable nature threatens the region.