Mattis says nuclear threat by North Korea is accelerating, slams 'outlaw' behavior (Report)

Defense Secretary Mattis visits Korean demilitarized zone

During his first visit to the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, also known as the DMZ, Defense Secretary James Mattis stressed the Trump’s administration push for a diplomatic solution to escalating tensions in the region. But he also said the U.S. is prepared to take military action if the North doesn’t halt its missiles development.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Saturday that the threat of a nuclear missile attack by North Korea is accelerating.

Mattis, who made his remarks with South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo during his visit to Seoul, accused the hermit kingdom of illegal and unnecessary missile and nuclear programs – and vowed to defeat any attack.

“North Korea has accelerated the threat that it poses to its neighbors and the world through its illegal and unnecessary missile and nuclear weapons programs,” Mattis said.

…