Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

[MND] “Ready to defeat North Korea, even if we fight tonight”

Minister of National Defense Han Min-koo and Commander of Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command Vincent Brooks shared the view that the Korea-U.S. combined forces were ready to respond forcefully to any kind of provocations from North Korea, with a firm combined defense posture.

During talks with commander Brooks at the MND building on the afternoon of December 13, Minister Han said, “It is our view that North Korea is highly likely to carry out strategic and tactical provocations, as they may misjudge the current transitional situation in Korea and the U.S. as an opportunity. We are ready to restrain the North’s provocations by maintaining a firm Korea-US combined defense posture, and are prepared to deliver a powerful and effective response to any emergency.”

He also asked for support and cooperation in maintaining the continuity of the Korea-US alliance and ensuring stable progress on the pending issues for the alliance during the transitional period in Washington.

In particular, Minister Han hoped that the designated U.S. Secretary of Defense Mattis would preferentially concern about the North Korean nuclear and missile threats and Korea-U.S. alliance pending issues when he takes office, adding that he wants to have close discussions between the defense ministers of both countries as soon as possible after his inauguration. Answering this, Commander Brooks emphasized, “We will maintain our ‘Fight Tonight’ readiness posture so that we can rapidly and strongly respond to any kind of provocations from North Korea. We will consider various countermeasures including the deployment of the US strategic assets in Korea in order to ensure an effective response in any emergency.”

Finally, Minister Han expressed his appreciation for the dedicated efforts Commander Brooks has made for the development of the Korea-US alliance, and pledged to concentrate on the duty of protecting Korea by maintaining a powerful combined readiness posture.

By Byeong-No, Yun < trylover@dema.mil.kr >
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