The defense secretary, however, couched his remarks in the language of traditional deterrence, making clear that such overwhelming force would be used in the event of a North Korean attack. North Korea would also need a reliable delivery system for any bomb. Tillerson sought to steer his own remarks away from nuclear weapons and toward Washington’s diplomatic efforts to contain North Korea. The US should cease its “reckless military provocation” against North Korea to avoid such a reaction, the spokesman added. Tensions in the region have risen since North Korea carried out two nuclear bomb tests last year and test-launched two intercontinental ballistic missiles last month.

Source: The Guardian August 09, 2017 13:09 UTC