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North Korea claims it can strike USA with nuclear missiles

North Korea says missiles can strike US Radio Australia 9 October 2012,   North Korea says it possesses “strategic rocket forces” capable of striking the US mainland. The statement comes in response to a new US-South Korean deal to extend the range of the South’s missile systems.

In a series of bulletins released on the official Korean
Central News Agency (KCNA), the spokesman of the National Defence
Commission also said Pyongyang was ready to match any enemy, “nuclear
for nuclear, missile for missile”.

The warnings came two days after South Korea announced an agreement
with the United States to almost triple the range of its missiles to
cover the whole of North Korea……
Military bluster
South Korean analysts suggested Tuesday’s comments were most likely
military bluster prompted by Sunday’s announcement of the new US-South
Korea missile deal.

“It could be a bluff, as there is no evidence that North Korea has
succeeded in tests of a missile with a range long enough to hit the US
mainland,” said Yun Duk-Min, a professor at Korea National Diplomatic
Academy.

“It might also be aimed at boosting military morale and rallying
support behind (new leader) Kim Jong-Un.

“North Korea’s military is suffering from a breakdown in discipline
and public resentment is rising amid worsening food shortages
following natural disasters this summer.”

The new agreement with the United States allows the South to deploy
missiles with a range of 800 kilometres, up from the current limit of
300 kilometres.

The extension not only brings the whole of North Korea within reach of
Seoul’s rockets, but also parts of China and Japan.

The US stations 28,500 troops in South Korea and guarantees a nuclear
“umbrella” in case of any atomic attack. In return, Seoul accepts
limits on its missile capabilities.

An agreement signed with the United States in 2001 had restricted
Seoul to rockets with a range of 300 kilometres and a payload of 500
kilograms…. http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2012-10-09/north-korea-says-missiles-can-strike-us/1027728

October 10, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | North Korea, politics international