U.S.: Military Solution for North Korea Would Be Catastrophic

The U.S. Secretary of Defense emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to the North Korean crisis, stating that a military solution would have "catastrophic results on an incredible scale." According to Reuters, James Mattis said on Friday, May 18, at a press conference regarding international efforts to halt North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, "We are still working on this issue. If it comes to a military solution, the results would be catastrophic on an incredible scale." North Korea has so far rejected all requests and warnings to halt its nuclear and missile programs, even from China, its main ally. Less than a week ago, Pyongyang once again tested a ballistic missile, claiming it was a "medium-to-long range" missile capable of targeting U.S. territory. North Korea also stated that this test was aimed at assessing the capability to use "heavy nuclear warheads on a large scale." Meanwhile, the U.S. Secretary of Defense mentioned that Washington is "working with the United Nations, China, Japan, and South Korea to find a solution to this unusual situation." James Mattis also referred to U.S. requests for China to pressure Pyongyang, stating, "They (North Korea) do not listen, but it seems that if China takes action in this regard, it would have some impact." North Korea's latest missile test faced a reaction from the UN Security Council, which warned that it is prepared to intensify sanctions against Pyongyang. This was the tenth missile test by North Korea since Donald Trump became President of the United States. During this time, North Korea has threatened the U.S. with a preemptive nuclear strike. In this context, North Korea accused the U.S. and South Korea of conspiring to assassinate its leader.