North Korea 'ready for nuclear attack' amid show of force

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39604361

North Korea 'ready for nuclear attack' amid show of force

1 hour ago

From the section Asia

North Korea has warned the US not to take provocative action in the region, saying it is "ready to hit back with nuclear attacks". The comments came as North Korea marked the 105th anniversary of the birth of its founding president, Kim Il-sung.

A huge parade in Pyongyang was held amid speculation current leader Kim Jong-un could order a new nuclear test. Among the hardware on display appeared to be new intercontinental and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

The show of strength comes amid mounting tension, with a US aircraft carrier group steaming towards the region. "We're prepared to respond to an all-out war with an all-out war," said Choe Ryong-hae, believed to be the country's second most powerful official. "We are ready to hit back with nuclear attacks of our own style against any nuclear attacks," he said.
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With concerns that North Korea is getting closer to successfully producing a nuclear arsenal, Saturday's parade was an opportunity for Mr Kim to broadcast North Korea's current military capabilities. On display for the first time were what appeared to be the Pukkuksong submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), which have a range of more than 1,000 km (600 miles). Weapons analysts said there also appeared to be two new types of intercontinental ballistic missiles in canister launchers, but it remains unclear whether they have been tested.
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Unlike at previous Pyongyang parades there did not appear to be any Chinese representatives present.
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Vice-President Mike Pence will be in South Korea on Sunday as part of a 10-day Asia trip. The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and an accompanying battle group have also been sent to the Korean peninsula.
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