Japan Today
politics

N Korea may be capable of sarin-loaded missile attack: Abe

58 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© 2017 AFP

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.


58 Comments
Login to comment

commanteerApr. 14, 2017 - 08:23PM JST

Sorry, but that is complete nonsense.

I don't see how, there are parallels that can be made. Embargoes, sanctions (read: long-term bullying) etc. All while NK refuses to bend to their will. Very much shades of Cuba if you ask me, even down to a possible Cold War situation that this could all enter into once the lines are drawn in the sand. I also think it smacks of Iraq 2.0 with all the talk about weapons being the impetus to invade another small country.

Castro probably would have executed you for comparing the Cuba to the depraved and demented state of North Korea.

And tables turned, Kim Jong Il, as you rightly point out his atrocities, would not? Your statement does not make sense.

Making light of the Kim atrocities is demeaning to his millions of victims.

I have done no such thing. I already mentioned that I'm not a fan of their leadership. But that's not why plans are being drawn for war, are they? Hint: big, bad weapons. How about the victims in other parts of the world? Even in the westernized world...

I think it's a fair comparison, and I stand by it. Thank you.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

It may be true but he is the prime minister of Japan. He should let a reliable distinguished chemical weapon specialists to feveal info, His talk is on US media and sounded he is Trump type speaker. Worce Spencer copycatter.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

But NK is one of the most badgered and bullied nations since the war. All because it didn't become a capitalist nation. It's very similar to Cuba.

Sorry, but that is complete nonsense. I don't think an attack on NK is a good idea, but the picture you paint has no bearing on reality. Castro probably would have executed you for comparing the Cuba to the depraved and demented state of North Korea. Please read a bit about it. It's a uniquely awful place, and nothing like Cuba. Making light of the Kim atrocities is demeaning to his millions of victims.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

ThePBot: "On the record, as crazy as Kim is, he hasn't preemptively struck anyone yet."

Actually, he has struck S Korea, at least twice in recent years.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

What a piece of work! Get the fear mongering out there, people, using something Japan can relate to solely to push for your own gains. I TOLD you Abe would use Syria (gas attack) and link it in some way to the need for Constitutional reform. Now he's tenuously connecting that to NK to stoke people's fears in a very US-government way. Shame on Abe.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

“There is a possibility that North Korea is already capable of delivering (via missile) a warhead containing sarin,” Abe told a parliamentary diplomacy and defense committee, referring to the poison nerve agent.

Words are cheap. What counts is what he does to protect people.

The antidote of sarin is called パム in Japanese, and it also works to neutralize other nerve gases. https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%97%E3%83%A9%E3%83%AA%E3%83%89%E3%82%AD%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A0%E3%83%A8%E3%82%A6%E5%8C%96%E3%83%A1%E3%83%81%E3%83%AB

Shooting down all the incoming missiles is impossible. If he foresees the risks, he should prepare for it like by stockpiling antidotes.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

The U.S. is prepared to launch a preemptive strike

So in other words, out of fear that N. Korea may do something evil like a preemptive strike, they are ready to do a preemptive strike.

And so many don't see the abject hypocrisy in this.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Not at all. If Abe would liberate his people, I would be the first to commend him. But as things currently stand, most of what he and his cronies have done have been more of the same that makes Japan, and all who reside within, a worsening place to be.

Spades are spades.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

The U.S. is prepared to launch a preemptive strike with conventional weapons against North Korea should officials become convinced that North Korea is about to follow through with a nuclear weapons test, multiple senior U.S. intelligence officials told NBC News.

Hope this is fake news.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So many JT readers criticize Abe for reporting this to the Diet. But if he hid it from the Diet they would criticize that too. It seems that, at least for the less intelligent here, the "everything Abe does is bad" mantra is an easy substitute for thought or analysis.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

abe trump you daft ignorant fools, why on earth are you both rushing to do a GWB!!

What we have here is dumb & dumber!

1 ( +4 / -3 )

let me tell you, any country is capable of the same, including Japan....so I am not sure what to say about a prime minster who is using the death of Syrian children to push his own private agenda on something which has nothing to do with the Syrian attack.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

N Korea may be capable of sarin-loaded missile attack: Abe

Trigger the collective amygdala, why don't you.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Yeah, OK. North Korean might also have a fleet of flying pigs capable of defecating on South Korean territory, and adding methane to the atmosphere which will further heat up parts of South Korea and perhaps Japan.

Come on. What's with this beat up right now? There should be no action to provoke North Korea here, and if this is reflecting some kind of bogus US reasoning as to why that strike fleet is in close to Korea, Abe should know better, because the US have form for creating false pretences for invading countries, read: Iraq, Afghanistan etc.

Everyone needs to calm down. Don't be stupid.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

N Korea may be capable of sarin-loaded missile attack: Abe

Uhm, duh!. It's relatively old tech. Of course they're capable. They should be more worried about NK missiles with nuclear warheads.......but no, it's not about that is it? It's about taking advantage of what happened in the recent Syrian chemical attack, the still fresh emotional response that people have over it, and also thus the vulnerability of getting scared so easily. That's Abe's strategy. Fear-mongering 101 so that he can get what he wants, including diverting the attention from his scandals. I see people talk about this being a pretext to some kind of preemptive strike on NK. On the record, as crazy as Kim is, he hasn't preemptively struck anyone yet.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has little if any control over the actions of that carrier group. President Donald Trump rhetoric is alarmingly uncompromising. I am not surprised J media is sounding panicky. .

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Flashnews-Update : North-Korea is capable to strike Japan with Kim Jong Un -sperm-tipped-missiles. Dont forget to vote for for Abe`s Militaristic expansion agenda ... to maybe get one heated seat in the underground shelter later . Thanks for voting sheeps !

2 ( +6 / -4 )

I agree with AgentX. It looks like the J-news is ramping up citizens in readiness for the attack on NK. It is very similar to what happened just before the western world attacked Iraq eg: satellite photos showing possible launch sites etc.

History repeats itself and fear fuels people to forget

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Abe did not elaborate or say where he obtained the information

That's because he is talking out of his backside, as usual. It's true that North Korea may be able to launch missiles with chemical weapons, but Japan is also capable of doing that, as are Russia, China, South Korea and any other neighbouring country. Just because something may be possible doesn't mean it is inevitable, or that we should worry about it.

Abe's agenda is very clear: to change the constitution and get what's left of Japan's youth into the armed forces ready to die for the glory of the old fools running the country. To that end he will say and do anything necessary. Don't listen to the scaremongering of this weaselly, dishonest, little man.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Kim and trumpy are both infants in terms of maturity, they both have access to too much power and too many smart people surrounding them seem to just go along with their childish antics. No telling what those two will drag the world into, and Abe is just an opportunist.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

China have sent officials and are talking with Kim right now. China have also move 150,000 troups to the NK/China border. China know that the Kim is planing something stupid, the reason for China,s recent actions, I assume the USA military is responding to China,s action. Since the China/ USA meeting last week, we have seen China Soft war approach towards NK has change in the last week. We have not seen any offical response from China about the positioning of the USA Battle group which also have fleetilla of Sub all carrying 124 Tommyhawk cruise missiles and nuclear,s weapons. This is a hugh RED FLAG to all concern and Abe is for once is making sense.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Meant to say...bearing in mind they are NOT signatories of anything not permitting them to do so)

0 ( +3 / -3 )

All the recent talk indicates that there is a buildup or rhetoric to support military action against NK. It's still early, but what we need to watch for are evacuation preparations or drills for Seoul. Once that starts, you could say action is imminent

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I don't believe NK would launch missiles or drones with chemical agents unless threatened or attacked.

I agree. But NK is one of the most badgered and bullied nations since the war. All because it didn't become a capitalist nation. It's very similar to Cuba. If you think about it from their point of view, they are the one's under attack. This doesn't that I am a fan of their leadership, but if it is human rights that are your concern, how about the problems perpetrated daily in... Japan, for example.

If you count testing of missiles an act of aggression (bearing in mind they are signatories of anything not permitting them to do so), then where do you begin with all the nations that have let off nukes for testing?

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Anyone else notice how there are always distractions that occur at the most opportune times for people like Abe and trumpy??

Called this weeks ago mate. Goodbye school scandal. Welcome age old tactic of dodge and divert!! Disappointed but amazingly not suprised!!

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Anyone else notice how there are always distractions that occur at the most opportune times for people like Abe and trumpy??

2 ( +5 / -3 )

AgentX, That lunatic coward Kim Jong-Un, has been launching ballistic missiles at Japan for no reason other than to intimidate and terrorize its people. Kim Jong-Un has also been carrying out underground nuclear tests. Kim Jong-Un has the means to deliver untold devastation to the people of Japan. The waiting game is over.

I want to support and applaud the people of the United States of America, for standing firm and putting their young men and women in harm's way, standing firm against an aggressive manic hell-bent on wreaking havoc on Japan. I am quite prepared to face the consequences and realize fully the implications of all out war.

I for one will not be taking refuge in a shelter. If my number is up, I will be out on the patio with a Gin and Tonic and a top quality side of Kobe Wagyu if not called upon to send the madman back down the cesspit he crawled out of.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

We must resist all this recent political chest beating cr@p that is conditioning our brains to think war is inevitable, for the sake of our children and their childrens, childrens, children.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

This is dangerous behavior. Trump may well launch an attack on N Korea. It might work, and might be the trigger that finally brings the collapse of the odious Kim criminal gang. Trump will be called brave, clever, heroic and all kinds of other wonderful things. Which is maybe one reason why he wants to do it.

On the other hand, it could all go very badly, with Swiss-schooled fatboy launching all manner of chemical and nuclear weapons against South Korea and Japan. The only US targets he can expect to hit are in these 2 countries as well. The US mainland is exposed to very little risk of reprisal. And I think that's all Trump cares about.

The Kim regime will collapse someday, and that day is getting nearer. Waiting that out seems the safer option. Attacking now brings great risk to everyone in Japan and Korea. And for what? A regime change that will probably come in a few years anyway.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

May have ei?

I may have a time travel machine as well.

The military industrial complex called Ave. They want their modus operandi back!!

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Does the media think we're stupid? Sarin was just mentioned as the method of attack in Syria recently and is mentioned previously from the train attacks in Japan but it was never ever mentioned at all in connection with North Korea. Why push this agenda? Just heard in the US that warships are being positioned off the coast of North Korea just in case they do another nuclear test so seriously which news should we follow more?

4 ( +6 / -2 )

There is a thing called proof!!!! We needs it, otherwise stop fear-mongering.

But as MarkX said, its just to draw away from his scandals.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I see Abe for what he is, a conniving little man, who is using the hair trigger of America's president to further his agenda. Remember, sarin was used on Japan before, the culprits were Japanese.

Expect a false flag soon.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Which makes it imperative that the appropriate decisive action is taken now to eliminate the risk.

Ambling toward all out war in your backyard, for no more than someone else' geopolitical gain is not a good way to look after your family. Remember this when you are sitting in a shelter, wondering what your family will eat next.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Discussion always brings this song to my mind.https://youtu.be/tbkOZTSvrHs

As I get older I realise Peace is as fleeting like the cherry blossoms and will only exist once all of humanity has been extinct.

Right now WWIII is becoming more and more a possibility.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So you write opinions, as fact,

Once again, incorrect. I wrote opinions as just that. You are the one saying they're fact.

in a public forum about things you don't know about

How could you possibly know what I do and don't know?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Pyongyang has brought US/Japan to this point. It is quite correct for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to prepare the people for every eventuality. No sane person wants military conformation that could lead to war. I hope the Government of China can influence and prevent the ongoing situation from spiraling out of control. Thus proving wrong a number of military analysts see as inevitable.

Hi sensei258, You are not alone in raising legitimate questions into whether Kim Jong-Un Kim is criminally insane, displaying suicidal tendencies. Which makes it imperative that the appropriate decisive action is taken now to eliminate the risk. I hope all our families remain safe.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

My wife also may be capable of making a bento for me in the morning.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

People are coming to realize that so called pacifists, leftwing-liberalism , intelligentsia, men of workds, cannot bring peace to world. On the contrary they helped rogues of the world act freely bringing confusions to the world. Trump will become the savior of the world.

-10 ( +4 / -14 )

sensei258Apr. 14, 2017 - 08:26AM JST

Did I say that I "know" that? No, You did. Then you demanded evidence.

OK. So you write opinions, as fact, in a public forum about things you don't know about. Thanks for clearing that up.

-5 ( +7 / -12 )

may have

My bed may have spoken to me last night

My toaster may have burned my toast on purpose

My car may have groaned in anguish as I pressed the gas pedal

Iraq may have wmds. Oh sorry wrong analogy. They actually 'did' have them.

On and on ad infinitum. Abe has learnt from merica senpai the value of the military industrial complex. Expect such drivel to become common place

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

If they really do launch anything genuine at South Korea, Japan or the States (though I really doubt they have that reliable capability) there will be no alternative but to have a quick devastating attack, it can't drag on a war on the Korean Peninsula, that will cause North Korean, South Korean, Japanese, US troops on the ground.. and possibly drag in China and Russia.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Genuinely curious... how exactly do you know that? If and if..? Personal friends? Some sort of historical evidence that I'm not aware of? Or just the media and your friends said so?

Did I say that I "know" that? No, You did. Then you demanded evidence.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

So we're not free to express opinions and legitimate concerns here?

Did I say otherwise?

-2 ( +7 / -9 )

So we're not free to express opinions and legitimate concerns here?

0 ( +6 / -6 )

They are clearly building a case in support of a preemptive strike by the states.

Given the political situation in South Korea, poor relations with Russia, and odd ones with China we might all be living very close to the kick off point of WW3.

I really hope not but it seems we don't have career politicians who we can at least rely on taking time to do things, and letting cooler heads prevail but in an ego fest of "leaders"..

10 ( +10 / -0 )

This is all sounding like the ramp up to Iraq. That worked out really well for the entire world...

If Kim knows his time has come, he'll go out in a blaze of glory.

Genuinely curious... how exactly do you know that? If and if..? Personal friends? Some sort of historical evidence that I'm not aware of? Or just the media and your friends said so?

1 ( +9 / -8 )

I don't think Abe is writing Wiki pages.

North Korea began to develop its own chemical industry and chemical weapon (CW) program in 1954, immediately following the end of the Korean War. However, substantial progress was not made until the 1960s, when Kim Il-sung "issued a 'Declaration for Chemicalization' whose aim was to further develop an independent chemical industry capable of supporting various sectors of its economy, as well as support chemical weapons production" and established the North Korea's Nuclear and Chemical Defense Bureau. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, North Korea received Soviet and Chinese aid in developing its chemical industry. In 1979, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency believed that North Korea "had only a defensive CW capability." It is unclear when North Korea "acquired the capability for independent CW production"; estimates range from the 1970s to early 1980s. However, "by the late 1980s, North Korea's CW capabilities had expanded; the South Korean Ministry of National Defense reported in 1987 that the North "possessed up to 250 metric tons of chemical weapons" including mustard (a blister agent) and some nerve agents. In 2009 the International Crisis Group reported that the consensus expert view was that North Korea had a stockpile of about 2,500 to 5,000 metric tons of chemical weapons, including mustard gas, sarin and other nerve agents. The South Korean Ministry of National Defense had the same estimate in 2010. In 2014, the South Korean Defense Ministry estimated that "the North had stockpiled 2,500 to 5,000 tons of chemical weapons and had a capacity to produce a variety of biological weapons." In 2015, the U.S. Department of Defense reported to Congress that North Korea's CW program "likely possesses a CW stockpile" and likely had "the capability to produce nerve, blister, blood, and choking agents." The report also found that "North Korea probably could employ CW agents by modifying a variety of conventional munitions, including artillery and ballistic missiles. In addition, North Korean forces are prepared to operate in a contaminated environment; they train regularly in chemical defense operations." The report indicated that North Korea "continues to develop its biological research and development capabilities" and "may consider the use of biological weapons as an option, contrary to its obligations under the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Korea_and_weapons_of_mass_destruction#Biological_and_chemical_weapons

It looks pretty freaking real.

0 ( +9 / -9 )

I wonder if you live in Japan. I watch the news, and I am scared for my family and friends (and myself) here. If Kim knows his time has come, he'll go out in a blaze of glory.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

There are many "may have" things in this world. Most of them are not likely.

Putting a chemical into a rocket/missile isn't really that hard if one has missiles and the chemical. Every country with missiles and access/capability to sarin may do this too.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

Yeah let's ride that mentally challenged train, said Abe. ANYONE can see this is a piece of crap. Yet it serves their militaristic expansion agenda and they hope it will allow them to rewrite one smart constitution into an aggressive one that allows the government to command citizens to die for political garbage in their heads. If this is not evil, then this is braindamaged in the least. Japanese society should start thinking real hard on how to sweep clean the current government and replace them with decent people who actually care of well-being of their fellow citizens.

20 ( +23 / -3 )

"Hey sheeple, look over here! Look at big bad North Korea! Ooh they might have a chemical bomb! Don't look at all my scandals and failing policies, and my sucking up to Vladamir Putin. Look over there."

26 ( +34 / -8 )

And I may be capable of a romantic evening with Scarlett Johansson.....

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites