On Wednesday, the rhetorical battle between the US and North Korea took a turn that now makes war seem like a near certainty. North Korea has officially announced that their nuclear arsenal has been approved for use in an attack, while the US countered with moving additional missile defense resources to Guam.
The situation has now reached tension levels substantial enough for both China and Russia to share concern. China has been mobilizing at the northeast border in preparation for any eventual conflict, with an emphasis on managing cross-border flow of refugees. More from the FreeBeacon:
The buildup likely serves two goals, the officials said. One is to bolster border security in case a conflict sends large numbers of refugees from the impoverished state into China. Additionally, the troop buildup is a signal to Pyongyang that China will abide by its defense commitment to North Korea in the event of renewed conflict. China’s military maintains a mutual defense treaty with North Korea. The last time Chinese troops defended North Korea was during the Korean War.
Russia, the lesser involved of the two massive Asian powers, is more intent on helping talk the escalation down.
Meanwhile, US troops are on high alert on the border between the the North and the South. Key US assets available for immediate use in the area include A10s, U2 Spy Planes, miscellaneous traditional fighter jets, and F22 Stealth Fighters. These would likely be first into battle if war were to break out. It is even within the realm of possibility that the US could strike first, if we felt an attack were definitely imminent. The Hill is reporting that US Rep. Peter King has gone on the record stating as much:
“If we have good reason to believe there's going to be an attack, I believe we have the right to take preemptive action,” King said on CNN's “Erin Burnett Outfront.”"I don't think we have to wait until Americans are killed or wounded or injured in any way,” he continued. “I'm not saying we should be rushing into war, don't get me wrong, but if we have solid evidence that North Korea's going to take action, then I think we have a moral obligation and an absolute right to defend ourselves.”
Lastly, at least one of the “targeted” US cities (Austin, TX) is taking 'whatever precautions' needed as the situation reaches a boiling point.
Viralread.com will continue to update as this situation progresses.
