North Korea miniaturizes thermo-nuclear warheads
Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader claimed that the scientists there have successfully miniaturized thermo-nuclear warheads to mount onto a ballistic missile. Kim stated that the technique would create a perfect nuclear-deterrent. His statements came only a day after threatening pre-emptive attacks on the US and South Korea. Nuclear experts see the miniaturization technique as a game-changing development of North Korea's nuclear strength.
The US National Intelligence Director, James Clapper while citing the top dangers faced by the country had stated that their assessments indicate that North Korea had restarted a plutonium reactor and expanded a uranium enrichment facility. He said that North Korea was operating the reactor from a long-time and could start recovering the fuel spent. In 2013, Pyongyang announced his intention to restart nuclear-facilities.
The UN Security Council had voted unanimously to toughen the penalties against North Korea severely. The new sanctions called for inspecting cargo going in and out of the country, banning weapon trade and expanding the list of sanctions.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered the military to be on standby for nuclear strikes at any time, in response to new sanctions imposed by the UNSC. Kim Jong-un stressed on "the need to get the nuclear warheads deployed for national defense, always on standby so as to be fired any moment." Officials did not divulge details of deployment or specific targets.
North Korea issued a "pre-emptive nuclear strike of justice" threat to the US and South Korea. The threat was given as a reaction to the commencement of large U.S.-South Korean military drills. The North's powerful National Defense Commission said that it would annihilate all enemy bases, reducing them to 'flames and ashes'. South Korean Defense Ministry asked North Korea to refrain from 'rash acts'.
Pyongyang's envoy stated that North Korea doesn't intend to use nuclear weapons to attack South Korea. However, he added that North Korea needs to maintain the nuclear deterrent to ensure stability despite the hostile US policies.
Russia had warned North Korea that the nuclear strike threats could create a legal ground for using military against their country. The Foreign Ministry of Russia had stated that it was impermissible to make threatening statements publicly and carry out nuclear strikes on the opponents. The Russian Ministry had also criticized Seoul and Washington for jointly launching the largest joint military drills.
