North Korea is making aggressive moves again as a nuclear deadline approaches.
On Thanksgiving Day, the dictatorship launched two rockets into the sea, in a not so subtle reminder to the United States and the world that they’re still a major threat, especially if they possess nuclear capabilities.
After talks with the United States broke down earlier this year, dictator Kim Jong Un set a year-end deadline for resumption of talks. The rocket tests are likely part of an effort to draw attention to that deadline.
In more disturbing developments, a recent article by the National Interest analyzing North Korea’s military capabilities found that the reclusive country has approximately 200,000 special forces soldiers that are surprisingly well-trained.
The article notes:
One of the most vital parts of North Korea’s war machine is one that relies the most on so-called “soldier power” skills. North Korea has likely the largest special-forces organization in the world, numbering two hundred thousand men—and women—trained in unconventional warfare. Pyongyang’s commandos are trained to operate throughout the Korean Peninsula, and possibly beyond, to present an asymmetric threat to its enemies.
North Korean special forces have evolved from a nuisance force designed to stage attacks in the enemy’s rear into something far more dangerous. Their ability to distribute nuclear, chemical, biological, or radiological weapons could, if successful, kill thousands of civilians. They have even trained to attack and destroy a replica of the Blue House, the official resident of the South Korean president. Although many would undoubtedly die en route to their destination, once on the ground their training, toughness and political indoctrination make them formidable adversaries.
It’s a scary world out there.
Read the full story here.