Ben Madilynn
The threat by North Korea to shoot down U.S. spies planes is a reflection of the tensions that exist between the two nations. The reclusive nation views foreign surveillance as a threat against its sovereignty. North Korea is known to flex its military muscles in an effort to demonstrate its power, and to deter any perceived threat from its opponents.
The threat highlights the fragile nature of the relationship that exists between North Korea, and the United States. The nuclear issue has not been resolved despite numerous meetings and discussions in recent years. Trust between the two countries is also minimal. North Korea is likely using saber-rattling to demonstrate its resolve and defiance towards the international community. The possibility of shooting U.S. spy aircraft down is concerning. However, such threats should be treated with caution as they are part of the larger diplomatic game that is being played between the United States and North Korea.
North Korea accuses U.S. spyplanes of violating their airspace, and threatens to shoot them down. This is escalating tensions right before NATO leaders convene in Lithuania this week for their annual summit.
A spokesman from the North Korea Defense Ministry stated that the U.S. has been engaged in “the most undisguised nuclear blackmail” Planned deployment of a nuclear-armed sub to the Korean Peninsula, and subsequent conduct “hostile espionage activities” Korean Central News Agency reports that on Monday, the state has been flying spy planes along its west and east coasts.
North Korea claims that drones and spy aircraft flew along its coastlines for eight days straight, violating its airspace. “There is no guarantee that such shocking accident as downing of the U.S. Air Force strategic reconnaissance plane will not happen,” The spokesman was quoted as saying.
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