April 1, 2004 :: Washington Times :: News
Military commanders testifying before the House Armed Services Committee warned of possible nuclear transfers from North Korea to terrorist groups, notes Bill Gertz writing in the Washington Times.
Adm. Thomas B. Fargo, leader of the U.S. Pacific Command, said of al Qaeda that “They have the will and the skill, obviously, to carry out a devastating terrorist attack. So that is kind of a nightmare scenario, and that’s why we feel so strongly about a nonnuclear Korean Peninsula.
Army Gen. Leon J. LaPorte, commander of U.S. forces in Korea, observed that a nuclear-armed North Korea
threatens the entire Northeast Asia region as well as other nations in the Pacific…In addition, they’re a known proliferator of missiles, missiles technology, narcotics and other illegal activities. What’s to prevent North Korea from deciding to sell to other nations or terrorist organizations nuclear-grade — weapons-grade material? That’s a significant concern to all of us. …I agree totally with Admiral Fargo that a nuclear weapon in the hands of a terrorist organization is one of our greatest concerns. And given the history of North Korea relative to selling missiles and missile technology, it’s a concern we must address.
(Article)
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