The commander of U.S. forces in South Korea says the U.S. and allied forces could destroy North Korea's long-range missile capabilities if deemed necessary.

Appearing on a public television program in the U.S. on Thursday, General Walter Sharp said that first and foremost, the U.S. has to be prepared to deter North Korean threats. But he said that if deterrence doesn't work, the U.S. must be prepared to respond.

Sharp said the U.S. regional alliance, if it deems it necessary, can take out the North’s missile sites.

His remarks follow U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates' warning that Pyongyang would be able to develop ballistic missiles that can hit the continental U.S. within five years.