Pyongyang has warned that it will take practical action against the U.S. missile shield in South Korea, for which a final decision has been made for its establishment. In a statement released by North Korea's official news agency on July 21, it was stated that the country 'will respond practically to the complete control of THAAD (the U.S. missile defense system) as soon as its location is identified and confirmed.' In another part of the statement, which South Korean media described as 'severe,' it was mentioned, 'We warn once again: the Korean People's Army (North) is waiting to launch ruthless attacks and create a sea of fire and rubble from South Korea.' On July 18, the South Korean Ministry of Defense announced the final decision to deploy the THAAD missile shield. According to Seoul, the purpose of establishing this system is to strengthen allies' capabilities against the increasing nuclear threats from North Korea. Initial negotiations for this system began shortly after North Korea conducted long-range missile tests last winter. In July, the country also tested two long-range missiles. These launches come after North Korea's fourth nuclear military test. Following the final decision announced by Seoul and Washington, Pyongyang conducted a test launch of a missile from a submarine, although South Korea stated that this test was unsuccessful in its initial stages. The recently released statement from North Korea is the first official reaction from Pyongyang to the decisions made by the U.S. and South Korea. Beijing, a major supporter of North Korea and an opponent of the THAAD system, has also stated that this issue 'seriously harms the strategic security interests of countries in the region, including China.' China is concerned that the radar of this system could monitor its territory. The THAAD missile defense system is designed to intercept medium-range and short-range ballistic missiles and can destroy them in the final phase of launch. Each unit of this system costs $750 million. The U.S. military has over 28,000 troops and personnel in South Korea; these forces have been present in this key U.S. ally in East Asia since the end of the peninsula's war. Currently, there is a ceasefire between the two Koreas, and no peace agreement has been established since the end of the war in 1953.
North Korea: We Will Take Action Once the Location of the THAAD Missile Shield is Determined
North Korea has threatened to take action against the U.S. THAAD missile defense system in South Korea, warning of potential military responses. This comes after South Korea's announcement of the system's deployment to counter North Korea's increasing nuclear threats. The situation escalates tensions in the region and raises concerns for international security.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
North Korea has threatened military action against the U.S. THAAD missile defense system in South Korea following its announced deployment. The threat escalates tensions in the region amid ongoing missile tests by North Korea.
- North Korea issued a severe warning against the THAAD deployment.
- The THAAD system is intended to protect against North Korean missile threats.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The THAAD missile defense system is designed to intercept ballistic missiles, and its deployment in South Korea is a response to North Korean threats. The Korean Peninsula remains technically at war since the 1953 armistice.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%