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IS must be eradicated before it grows in PACOM area - US commander

WASHINGTON, April 26 (KUNA) -- The US Pacific commander stressed Wednesday the so-called Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq is a threat that must be destroyed "now," and before it grows in the Pacific Command (PACOM) area of responsibility.
Commander of the US Pacific Command Harry Harris said during a House Armed Services Hearing "it's clear to me that ISIS is a threat that must be destroyed now." He added, "The main focus of our coalition's effort is rightfully in the Middle East and North Africa, but as we eliminate ISIS in these areas, some of the surviving fighters will likely repatriate to their home countries in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
"What's worse, they'll be radicalized and weaponized. So we must eradicate ISIS before it grows in the PACOM area of responsibility," he stressed.
On North Korea, Harris affirmed that it remains "the most immediate threat to the security of the United States and our allies in the Indo-Asia- Pacific." He said "the only nation to have tested nuclear devices in this century, North Korea has vigorously pursued an aggressive weapons' test schedule with more than 60 listed missile events in recent years." He added that with every test, North Korea leader Kim Jong-un "moves closer to his stated goal of a preemptive nuclear strike capability against American cities, and he's not afraid to fail in public." He affirmed that defending the homeland "is my top priority, so I must assume that Kim Jong-un's nuclear claims are true; I know his aspirations certainly are." Harris noted, "That should provide all of us a sense of urgency, urgency to ensure PACOM and US Forces Korea are prepared to fight tonight with the best technology on the planet." As for China's recent actions, he said while they are "encouraging and welcome... the fact remains that China is as responsible for where North Korea is today as North Korea itself.
"In confronting the reckless North Korean regime, it's critical that we're guided by a strong sense of resolve, both privately and publicly, both diplomatically and militarily," he stressed.
"We must be ready to confront all challenges from a position of strength and with credible combat power," he remarked.
The US commander said, "If China wants to do something constructive then they ought to focus less on South Korea's defensive preparations and focus instead more on North Korea's offensive preparations." He added, "In peace time China has the most influence on North Korea." Later today, Pentagon chief Jim Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joe Dunford will conduct a "classified" briefing on North Korea to all 100 Senators at the White House, where they are expected to be briefing "on the current strategic situation with regards to North Korea". (end) si.hb