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| ▲ Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon near Washington on Oct. 1, 2024 in this photo released by the Associated Press. (Yonhap) |
N Korea-border fortification
U.S. takes Korean Peninsula security 'very seriously': Pentagon spokesperson
By Song Sang-ho
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 (Yonhap) -- The United States takes security on the Korean Peninsula and its alliance with South Korea "very seriously, a Pentagon spokesperson said Thursday, after North Korea said it would cut off all roads and railways linked to South Korea and fortify defense along the inter-Korean border.
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder made the remarks as the North has notified the South Korea-based U.N. Command (UNC) of such a plan at a time of tensions caused by its continued launches of trash balloons to the South and tough rhetoric.
"When it comes to the security on the peninsula and our alliance with South Korea, that's something that we obviously take very seriously," he told a press briefing.
He was responding to a reporter's question about North Korea having informed the UNC of its military decision without informing South Korea of the measure. UNC is an entity that oversees activities in the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas.
"We maintain frequent communications with our Republic of Korea allies. As for why the DPRK may choose to do something as it relates to communicating items like that, I refer you to them," he said.
The Republic of Korea is South Korea's official name. DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
"Regardless, we have a very strong alliance with South Korea and will continue to work together towards security and stability throughout the region," he added.
Asked if there have been any signs of military cooperation between North Korea and Iran, Ryder said that he has not seen anything to indicate the two countries' cooperation.
"But obviously, (it is) something that we'll continue to keep a close eye on," he said.
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