(Image Source: The New Yorker )


BY LUKE LEONARD

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

A powerful North Korean military leader has made some harsh comments against the US and South Korea. The statements come just a short few weeks after their launch-test missile failed in front of the world’s media. KTVU has more details.

“North Korea has some threatening words for the US this morning, a senior North Korean army official says his country is armed with powerful mobile weapons that are capable of striking the US.”

The threats made against the US come as North Korea’s army celebrates their 80th anniversary today, April 25th. Fox News addressed the cause of North Korea’s threatening statements, speaking to Jim Walsh - an international security expert from MIT, who believe their motives don’t seem out of the ordinary.

“It fits the pattern of history. In the past they have had a missile test followed by a nuclear test. That missile test did not go well so this is a way for them to recoup and save some face.”

A writer for The Chrisitan Science Monitor says the new military leader for North Korea needs to convince the population that he has control. They spoke to Mark Fitzpatrick, a former US State Department official, for his expertise.

“'Yet another issue is the need to convince the North Korean people that Kim Jong-un is a strong leader, capable of controlling a military establishment ... while solidifying his power over the country. Having failed on the missile, they’ve got to do something that goes boom,' says Fitzpatrick.”

The ongoing political disputes between the North and South are flaring with the military threats. The Chosunilbo, a South Korean news publication, agrees that the motive is an attempt to save face.

“Every time it becomes more isolated, North Korea typically steps up its threats…The regime is probably trying to regain face by turning aggressively on South Korea. Although the threats may sound like emotional blather, Seoul needs to be fully prepared to deal with any provocations, and if the North does act on its words, it must respond in such a way as to stop North Korea ever thinking of doing it again.”

The Korean Herald reported that the threats could actually be real after speaking to World North Korea Research Center director Ahn Chan-il.

“ (North Korea) always conducts attacks under unpredictable circumstances, so an attack is entirely possible.”

Since the military threats from North Korea increased, the Obama administration has chosen to halt food aid to the country. The Chosunilbo says even China agreed to the UN’s Security Council condemnation.