North Korean Threats

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North Korea has again threatened to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile. There's also growing concern about North Korea's nuclear program within the new US administration. Here’s more in our top story.

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A North Korean official who serves as the deputy director general for the Foreign Ministry's North American affairs held an interview in Pyongyang with US broadcaster NBC Television. During the interview, Choe Kwang-il threatened that the North could launch an intercontinental ballistic missile "any time, any place." He said that as long as South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises continue, the North would strengthen its nuclear deterrence and preemptive strike capabilities. It's the first provocative threat issued by a North Korean official since the Donald Trump administration took office. Under the new US government, concerns on North Korea's nuclear threat are also being voiced in Washington. General Robert Brown, commander of U.S. Army Pacific, says North Korea is his biggest concern... citing the regime's nuclear and missile programs.

[Soundbite] Gen. Robert Brown(Commander of U.S. Army Pacific)

Meanwhile U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis will visit South Korea on his first overseas trip since taking office. These related moves taking place within just ten days of the new US government reflect Washington's stern resolve to address Pyongyang's threats of provocation.