Wednesday, Defense Secretary James Mattis used dramatic language when warning North Korea, insisting that they face utter devastation if they do not end their pursuit of nuclear weaponry.
The statement from Mattis reflects his commitment to President Trump and the demise of aggressor nations like the DPRK. Mattis commented that North Korea, “must choose to stop isolating itself and stand down its pursuit of nuclear weapons.”
.@statedeptspox: The US pressure campaign on #NorthKorea — that’s backed by many other nations — is working. pic.twitter.com/djb6Bm02ok
— Department of State (@StateDept) August 9, 2017
“The DPRK should cease any consideration of actions that would lead to the end of its regime and the destruction of its people,” he added, as conflict with the West would surely end in devastation for the people of the DPRK.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke to reporters Wednesday stating that the President was looking to send Kim Jong Un a “strong message” and that the United States was prepared to defend itself and its allies.
Rex Tillerson on North Korea: @realDonaldTrump “is sending a strong message to North Korea in language Kim Jong-un would understand.” pic.twitter.com/yItUSKE422
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 9, 2017
Mattis, however, was even more blunt and direct with his language, sounding off in a manner similar to President Trump’s. “While our State Department is making every effort to resolve this global threat through diplomatic means, it must be noted that the combined allied militaries now possess the most precise, rehearsed and robust defensive and offensive capabilities on Earth.”
Mattis’s full statement can be read below from the Hill:
“The United States and our allies have the demonstrated capabilities and unquestionable commitment to defend ourselves from an attack. Kim Jong Un should take heed of the United Nations Security Council’s unified voice, and statements from governments the world over, who agree the DPRK poses a threat to global security and stability. The DPRK must choose to stop isolating itself and stand down its pursuit of nuclear weapons. The DPRK should cease any consideration of actions that would lead to the end of its regime and the destruction of its people.
“President Trump was informed of the growing threat last December and on taking office his first orders to me emphasized the readiness of our ballistic missile defense and nuclear deterrent forces. While our State Department is making every effort to resolve this global threat through diplomatic means, it must be noted that the combined allied militaries now possess the most precise, rehearsed and robust defensive and offensive capabilities on Earth. The DPRK regime’s actions will continue to be grossly overmatched by ours and would lose any arms race or conflict it initiates.”
BREAKING: Tillerson: `I do not believe that there is any imminent threat’ from North Korea; `Americans should sleep well at night’
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 9, 2017
