White House Reiterates Confidence in Defending against N. Korea's ICBM

Following North Korea’s assertion that it could launch an intercontinental ballistic missile(ICBM) at any time and from anywhere, the White House has said the U.S. has “significant capability” to defend itself and its allies.
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said in a regular media briefing on Monday that the international community is concerned about North Korea’s destabilizing rhetoric and actions.
Referring to a recent remark by U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, Earnest also affirmed that the U.S. is ready to use its significant capability when necessary to protect the U.S. and its allies.
The spokesman added that the U.S. has taken the lead in adopting strong international sanctions on North Korea due to its concern about the North’s rhetoric and actions.
The North’s Foreign Ministry said Sunday that a test of a long-range missile will come at a time and place chosen by its leadership, a week after the regime’s leader Kim Jong-un said the country is in the final stage of preparation for an ICBM launch.
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