This morning North Korean media stated Kim had been briefed by his Missile Command on completed plans to test launch missiles and ‘bracket’ the US Pacific territory of Guam.
The US has stated any missiles lobbed toward Guam would be seen as a deeply provocative act.
US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the United States would “take out” any such missile and declared such a launch could lead to war.
He appears to hold out the offer to defuse the growing crisis — if the United States made a conciliatory gesture.
“Today’s quite an important day in North Korea (celebrations marking the liberation of Korea at the end of World War II).
He said it could be assessed “within moments” if a missile fired from North Korea was on track to hit Guam.
Today is a public holiday in North Korea (Liberation of the Fatherland Day — marking the end of World War II). »