By Mary Nady
The United States and South Korea have agreed to join forces and create a plan of action to safeguard against nuclear attacks. Yonhap news agency reported on Saturday that by the middle of next year, they will finalize joint guidelines and establish a unified system to deter North Korea’s nuclear weapons.
According to South Korea’s deputy national security adviser, Kim Tae-hyo, speaking to the media in the US, this comprehensive guideline will outline ways to prevent and respond to the nuclear threats coming from Pyongyang. It will include sharing sensitive information, consultation procedures during a crisis, and direct communication between the leaders of both nations. Furthermore, next year’s joint military exercises between the US and South Korea will incorporate nuclear operation training, as reported by Yonhap.
This is in response to North Korea’s potential test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) later this month. Kim had also mentioned on Friday that regardless of its range, such a launch would still pose a nuclear threat as it could potentially carry a warhead. North Korea has previously demonstrated its capabilities with a variety of ballistic missiles, some able to reach targets in South Korea, Japan, and even the US mainland.
