Concerns have been mounting that the North is edging closer to being able to fire long-range nuclear missiles, but China and Russian Federation – both of whom have the power of veto at the UN Security Council – have expressed opposition to tougher sanctions against the already isolated state.
Advertisement
THAAD is the U.S.-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system created to intercept and destroy short, medium and intermediate ballistic missiles in flight.
North Korea’s controversial satellite launch comes just a week after Pyongyang defiantly conducted a nuclear test, which equally drew condemnation from across the world.
A state news agency in North Korea released an image believed to be the rocket that was recently launched by North Korea.
The U.N. Security Council on Sunday strongly condemned North Korea’s rocket launch and promised to take action, while Washington vowed to ensure the 15-nation body imposed “serious consequences” on Pyongyang as soon as possible.
North Korea have also restarted the production of plutonium this week.
“A long-range rocket is launched into space at the Dongchang-ri launch site at Cholsan-gun, Pyonganpuk-do, on February 7 at 9:30 a.m.”, said an official at the defense ministry.
The system will “contribute to a layered missile defense that would enhance the alliance’s existing missile-defense capabilities against potential North Korean (DPRK) missile threats”, Cook said.
On Sunday, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the incident.
THAAD would simply enhance the United States’ defensive posture against North Korea, he said.
The US is fully committed to the security of the region, and will “defend ourselves and our allies and respond to North Korean provocations”, Rice said.
Hopefully this isn’t the beginning of a trend of threats from North Korea on worldwide safety and peace.
Advertisement
The ministry says although North Korea has developed its intercontinental ballistic missile technology with this latest launch, it has not yet perfected the technology it needs for re-entry.
