U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis has warned that North Korea’s rapid development of its weapons programs represents a “clear and present danger” to the United States.
“Coupled with reckless proclamations, the current North Korean program signals a clear intent to acquire nuclear-armed ballistic missiles, including those of intercontinental range, that pose direct and immediate threats to our regional allies, our partners and all the world,” Mattis said.
“As a matter of U.S. national security, the U.S. regards the threat from North Korea as a clear and present danger,” he added.
Tensions between Washington and Pyongyang have heightened in recent months amid growing concerns that the reclusive North Korean regime is nearing development of a nuclear-tipped missile capable of posing a threat to the U.S.