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North Korea threatens US and S Korea with nuclear strikes North Korea threatens US and S Korea with nuclear strikes
(about 2 hours later)
North Korea has warned of "indiscriminate" nuclear strikes on the US and South Korea as they begin their largest ever military drills. North Korea has warned of "indiscriminate" nuclear strikes on the US and South Korea as the two begin their largest ever military drills.
The exercises, involving more than 300,000 personnel, are an annual event and always generate tension. The exercises, Key Resolve and Foal Eagle, are an annual event and always generate tension.
The order for a "pre-emptive nuclear strike of justice" was made in a statement put out by Pyongyang.The order for a "pre-emptive nuclear strike of justice" was made in a statement put out by Pyongyang.
Such rhetoric is not uncommon, and experts doubt the North's ability to put nuclear warheads on its missiles.Such rhetoric is not uncommon, and experts doubt the North's ability to put nuclear warheads on its missiles.
North Korea sees the annual US-South Korean war games as a rehearsal for invasion. North Korea says it sees the annual US-South Korean war games as a rehearsal for invasion. Last year, it threatened to turn Washington into a "sea of fire".
Last year, it threatened to turn Washington into a "sea of fire". Approximately 17,000 US forces are participating in the exercises, alongside around 300,000 South Korean troops - both significant increases on 2015's numbers.
Despite starting on the same day, Key Resolve is more computer simulation-driven and ends on 18 March, while Foal Eagle is more focussed on field exercises and runs until 30 April.
The South's defence ministry has warned Pyongyang against any "rash act that brings destruction upon itself".The South's defence ministry has warned Pyongyang against any "rash act that brings destruction upon itself".
"If North Korea ignores our warning and makes provocations, our military will firmly and mercilessly respond to it," said spokesman Moon Sang-gyun."If North Korea ignores our warning and makes provocations, our military will firmly and mercilessly respond to it," said spokesman Moon Sang-gyun.
Japan's foreign minister also demanded that North Korea show restraint.
"North Korea's nuclear, and nuclear missile development is absolutely unacceptable. We will coordinate with the international community to demand that North Korea show restraint, and abide by the various resolutions including that of the six party talks," said Fumio Kishida.
Though unconfirmed, South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing military sources, has reported that the exercises will include training for precision attacks on North Korean leadership and its nuclear and missile facilities.
Can South Korea defend itself?Can South Korea defend itself?
Dealing with the North: Carrots or sticks?Dealing with the North: Carrots or sticks?
These latest exercises - called Foal Eagle and Key Resolve - will involve about 300,000 South Korean troops and 15,000 US personnel, the largest ever such operation. These latest exercises come just days after the UN passed new sanctions against North Korea following its recent nuclear test and rocket launch.
They come just days after the UN passed new sanctions against North Korea following its recent nuclear test and rocket launch. On Saturday, the Philippines impounded a North Korean cargo vessel under the toughened measures. A presidential spokesman said the crew would be deported and the ship subject to a UN-mandated inspection.
On Saturday, the Philippines impounded a North Korean cargo vessel under the toughened measures. A presidential spokesman said the crew would be deported and the ship subject to a UN-mandated inspection.
The North responded to the sanctions by saying it was readying nuclear weapons for "pre-emptive" use, and by firing short-range missiles into the sea.The North responded to the sanctions by saying it was readying nuclear weapons for "pre-emptive" use, and by firing short-range missiles into the sea.
Seoul is expected to announce more sanctions of its own on Tuesday, which is likely to draw another angry response from Pyongyang.
Missile diplomacy
The US and South Korea on Friday also began formal talks on the deployment of the US missile defence system to the peninsula, a move strongly opposed by North Korea, Russia and China.The US and South Korea on Friday also began formal talks on the deployment of the US missile defence system to the peninsula, a move strongly opposed by North Korea, Russia and China.
Beijing says the Thaad anti-missile system compromises its security and would undermine its nuclear deterrent.Beijing says the Thaad anti-missile system compromises its security and would undermine its nuclear deterrent.
What is the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (Thaad)?What is the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (Thaad)?
1. The enemy launches a missile1. The enemy launches a missile
2. The Thaad radar system detects the launch, which is relayed to command and control2. The Thaad radar system detects the launch, which is relayed to command and control
3. Thaad command and control instructs the launch of an interceptor missile3. Thaad command and control instructs the launch of an interceptor missile
4. The interceptor missile is fired at the enemy projectile4. The interceptor missile is fired at the enemy projectile
5. The enemy projectile is destroyed in the terminal phase of flight5. The enemy projectile is destroyed in the terminal phase of flight
The launcher trucks can hold up to eight interceptor missiles.The launcher trucks can hold up to eight interceptor missiles.