First strike on North Korea will be ineffective, warns Former US PACOM Chief

Washington: A former high ranking official has advised that the United States should not resort to ‘First Strike’ against North Korea, in spite of the heightened tension between the two countries. The first Strike by the United States against North Korea can result in a very dangerous and unexpected reaction, warned retired Admiral Dennis Blair. Meanwhile, the proposal for peace talks by US Vice President, Mike Pence, has been rejected by North Korea.

Former Head of the Pacific Ocean Command (PACOM) Admiral Blair was interviewed by a British daily a few days ago. Blair had expressed concern over the warnings issued by the United States to attack North Korea. Conducting six nuclear tests despite international sanctions, Blair reminded North Korea to be a nation equipped with nuclear power. Therefore, attacking North Korea that possesses nuclear capabilities can be dangerous, claimed Blair.

North Korea has hidden all its nuclear weapons in underground tunnels. To get the confidential information about the locations of these arms is very difficult. Therefore, it is very difficult for the US and South Korea to attack North Korea and seize nuclear weapons from it. Blair also warned that this failed attack will not only retain North Korea’s nuclear arsenal but also will increase the bitterness.

‘Wounding North Korea is not beneficial in any way. Therefore, the first strike by the United States will be unpredictable. The United States should not hurry up till it gets complete information about the nuclear weapons. Instead, should think of exerting more pressure on North Korea by increasing sanctions, suggested the former PACOM chief. The other retired US army officers and analysts also seem to concur with Blair’s opinion that attacking North Korea will not be appropriate. But the US Defence department has indicated to attack North Korea.

The Pentagon, the US Defence headquarters, has announced preparedness of war with North Korea. Pentagon had claimed to have seven different options for dislodging the Kim-Jong-Un regime and gaining control of the nuclear weapons in North Korea. After this, three US aircraft carriers had entered the Korean region at the same time. Lot of tension was created in the Korean region due to these US military movements.

However, this tension has been reduced because of the ongoing Olympic games in South Korea started last few weeks ago. The Olympics and the Paralympics held in South Korea will end in the next month. As per the United States and South Korean claims, North Korea will accelerate the nuclear and missile tests, immediately after this.

Meanwhile, US Vice President Pence had taken a positive step, ten days ago, to resolve the tensions with North Korea through talks. Pence had sent a proposal to North Korea for talks during his visit to Japan and South Korea. But, there are reports that North Korea has rejected this proposal.