Pentagon targets Kim’s nuclear sites

[razors edge]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-2437937,00.html

THE Pentagon is speeding up plans for possible military strikes on North Korea’s nuclear programme as concern mounts that Arab states are also looking to acquire nuclear technology.

US defence officials said detailed planning was under way for precision strikes on nuclear facilities such as the North Korean plutonium reprocessing plant at Yongbyon. The plant is thought to have supplied the plutonium fuel used in an underground nuclear test carried out by Kim Jong-il’s pariah regime on October 9.

A Pentagon official said “various military options” for halting North Korea’s nuclear programme were under consideration. “Other than nuclear strikes, which are considered excessive, there are several options now in place. Planning has been accelerated,” the official told The Washington Times.

According to defence sources, one option includes strikes on Yongbyon by Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from submarines or ships. Precision-guided bombs and missiles could also be delivered by B-52 or B-2 stealth bombers.