Fri, Apr 03, 2009
Says It Will 'Mercilessly Shoot Them Down'
The clock is counting down to the
start of the
stated launch window for a multi-stage rocket by North
Korea.
Fox News cites North Korean sources in reporting the launch of
the Taepodong-2 missile -- which is now sporting a bulb-shaped
payload cover -- will happen between Saturday and Tuesday. The
shape of the payload cover looks more like the satellite North
Korea claims it is, than the dummy warhead feared by western
intelligence.
Still, critics say any launch will violate a UN Security Council
resolution and bring sanctions. The rhetoric from the regime of Kim
Jung Il has reached hyperbole.
Regarding flights by US RC-135 surveillance planes near the
site, state-run radio from the north says, "If the brigandish US
imperialists dare to infiltrate spy planes into our airspace to
interfere with our peaceful satellite launch preparations, our
revolutionary armed forces will mercilessly shoot them down."
Despite the clear threat, it's not clear -- in fact, rather
doubtful -- North Korea has that capability. Fox points out the
RC-135 can operate as high as 50,000 feet.
Japan is making preparations to shoot down any parts of the
missle which threaten to fall on its territory. North Korea's
broadcast response says the nation, "will consider this as the
start of Japan's war of re-invasion ... and mercilessly destroy all
its interceptor means and citadels with the most powerful military
means."
Adding to the international tension, North Korea announced
Tuesday it will indict and try two American journalists accused of
crossing the border illegally from China on March 17 to conduct
"hostile acts."
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