North Korea’s Threats

[Anchor Lead]

North Korea has made repeated threats about striking areas around Guam, but launched its latest missile test in the direction of Japan. Here is an analysis of Pyongyang's recent moves.

[Soundbite] Statement from the N. Korean Strategic Forces Spokesperson(Aug. 8) : "An operation plan to strike the areas around Guam with the Hwasong-12 ballistic missiles is being carefully examined."

[Pkg]

Just 20 days after issuing a threat to strike the areas around Guam, North Korea surprised the world by launching a missile over Japan. Also, a mid-range ballistic missile was launched not at a high angle, but flew the maximum range for the first time to show its actual strike capability. The latest launch has automatically proven that the North is capable of hitting Guam with its missiles.

[Soundbite] Statement by N. Korean General Kim Rak-gyom(Aug. 9) : "The Strategic Forces are reviewing ways to publicly show the historic strikes of Guam to the North Korean people."

It's very likely that the regime had disclosed the launch to Pyongyang residents. The launch video taken at Sunan Airport near Pyongyang is a very effective event to solidify the regime's hold on the people. Even better, North Korea was able to exclude South Korea from the picture. The problem is that North Korea has many more provocation cards to play.

[Soundbite] Shin Jong-woo(Korea Defense & Security Foru) : "Since the Hwasong-14 has been launched only twice, North Korea needs to verify its performance through additional launches. Also test-firing the new SLBM Pukkuksong-3 could shock and increase tension in Northeast Asia."

North Korea's national founding day and other important events are coming up forthe regime. So experts note that Pyongyang is highly likely to be getting ready for additional provocations following the joint Ulchi Freedom Guardian military exercises between South Korea and the United States.