Saturday, June 20, 2009

US Navy to "hail and query" North Korean ship believed to be prolifering nuclear tech

"We intend to vigorously enforce the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874 to include options, to include, certainly, hail and query," said Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen.

The most powerful navy is the world has backed down from threats from China and North Korea. The US will not use force in enforcing sanctions imposed on North Korea.

Instead the US Navy will politely ask the North Korean ship to let them be boarded to check for any contraband ie nuclear material. The North Korean sailors will just ROR (raugh out roud).

Yahoo News

WASHINGTON – The U.S. military is tracking a ship from North Korea that may be carrying illicit weapons, the first vessel monitored under tougher new United Nations rules meant to rein in and punish the communist government following a nuclear test, officials said Thursday.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he has ordered additional protections for Hawaii just in case North Korea launches a long-range missile over the Pacific Ocean.

The suspect ship could become a test case for interception of the North's ships at sea, something the North has said it would consider an act of war.

Officials said the U.S. is monitoring the voyage of the North Korean-flagged Kang Nam, which left port in North Korea on Wednesday. On Thursday, it was traveling in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of China, two officials said on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence.

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