World War 3: North Korea ‘absolutely’ takes Trump threats as ‘declaration of war’
NORTH Korea “absolutely” takes Donald Trump’s rhetoric as a “declaration or at least a threat of war”, a former director of US intelligence has warned.
By NICOLE STINSON
Express.co.uk
Tue, Oct 10, 2017
It comes amid fears the US and North Korea are on the brink of triggering World War 3 as Donald Trump and Kim’s threats continue to escalate tensions.
James Clapper revealed he absolutely believes that North Korea takes Trump’s threats of “fire and fury” and the total destruction of the state at “face value”.
The former director of National Intelligence, who served under Obama, added: “I think in their mind, they can easily construe what he’s been saying as a declaration or at least a threat of war.
“It does increase my concerns… Threats such as what came out of Trump’s United Nations General Assembly speech that we are going to totally destroy North Korea.
“Words like that only heighten the paranoia and cause, I think, the regime to counter with more provocative acts.
“So I wouldn’t be surprised if they have another missile test or something.”
In his address to the 193-member UN, President Trump mocked North Korea’s despotic leader Kim Jong-un by calling him “rocket man” – a reference to the secretive state’s missile tests.
He said: “The United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea.
”Rocket man is on a suicide mission for himself and his regime.”
Another top intelligence official has warned that North Korea is “ready for provocation” and has a “strategic game plan”.
Yong Suk Lee, the deputy assistant director of the CIA’s Korea Mission Centre, said: “I have a feeling that they are ready for provocation and they are biding their time… for the most adverse impact.”
The North Korean expert also dismissed claims Kim Jong-un simply “throws tantrums” and only tests missiles, warning: “They have a strategic game plan.”
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