The US scrapping of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-withdraw-from-inf-missile-treaty-unless-russia-complies-trump-194448">Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia</a> could launch a new arms race, but will also allow the United States to update its nuclear arsenal, a publicly stated goal for the past year.

President Donald Trump announced Friday the US was suspending its obligations under <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/inf-treaty-with-russia-has-been-invalidated-germany-194404">the INF treaty </a>as of Saturday and starting a process to withdraw in six months.

NATO has said that US allies "fully support" its withdrawal from the pact, and agreed that<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-russia-suspending-missile-treaty-after-us-move-agencies-194569"> Russia's</a> 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile systems violate the treaty.

A day later, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a tit-for-tat withdrawal from the pact to develop "new types of weapons," calling Washington's decision "unilateral and totally unprovoked."

The United States has complained about the alleged Russian violations for years.&nbsp;

But now it's also speaking openly about its chance to upgrade its arms stock.

When the United States unveiled its new nuclear policy in February 2018, it warned that it planned to buy two new weapons: a new type of low-power nuclear missile to be launched from a submarine, and a new type of nuclear cruise missile that would violate the INF agreement.

This new missile — which would only come into service within a decade — would only be a violation of the treaty if it were deployed, the Pentagon says.&nbsp;

It has always stressed that a research and development program was not prohibited by the 1987 treaty with Moscow.

So starting Saturday "we are no longer bound by the constraints of the Treaty," Johnny Michael, a Pentagon spokesman, told AFP Friday.

The 2019 US military budget provides funds for developing this new intermediate-range land-based missile and "we are still in the research phase," the spokesman said.

In fact, the Pentagon was already preparing its response to Russian missile 9M729, with a top range of 480 kilometres, Moscow insists.

But Washington, backed by NATO allies, says that Russian missile has already been tested on much greater distances.

Arms race

Johns Hopkins University's Jeffrey Pryce argues that the INF treaty favours the United States because, while it prohibits all surface-to-air missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres, conventional or intermediate, anything fired from a submarine or dropped by a bomber, simply is not covered.

"Thus, the INF Treaty deprives Russia of a significant military capability, for which its size and location are strategic advantages," the former Pentagon official said on Twitter. &nbsp;

"The US, by contrast, has the world's most powerful navy and air force. And the INF Treaty does not restrict sea-launched or air-launched missiles."

According to figures from the anti-nuclear group Union of Concerned Scientists, the US nuclear arsenal holds 4,600 nuclear weapons, of which 1,740 are deployed and ready to be used at any time, and 2,922 stored.

Ten US Navy submarines armed with nuclear missiles are constantly patrolling the seas, the group said.

Russia has a similar number of nuclear warheads, but its nuclear submarines are in bad shape, as several accidents have shown in recent years.

China, keen to assert military supremacy in Asia, also has intermediate-range missiles. According to experts, 95 per cent of Chinese missiles would violate the INF treaty if Beijing was a signatory.

Michael Krepon, of the Stimson Center, believes that "we're headed toward a new nuclear arms race.

"Any time your national defence budget is ten times bigger than Russia's and five times bigger than China's, you can afford an arms race. But arms races usually don't end well: even if you stay ahead of the competition, your security is diminished." 
&nbsp;

The US scrapping of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia could launch a new arms race, but will also allow the United States to update its nuclear arsenal, a publicly stated goal for the past year.

The US scrapping of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia could launch a new arms race, but will also allow the United States to update its nuclear arsenal, a publicly stated goal for the past year. President Donald Trump announced Friday the US was suspending its obligations under the INF treaty as of Saturday and starting a process to withdraw in six months. NATO has said that US allies "fully support" its withdrawal from the pact, and agreed that Russia's 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile systems violate the treaty. A day later, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a tit-for-tat withdrawal from the pact to develop "new types of weapons," calling Washington's decision "unilateral and totally unprovoked." The United States has complained about the alleged Russian violations for years. But now it's also speaking openly about its chance to upgrade its arms stock. When the United States unveiled its new nuclear policy in February 2018, it warned that it planned to buy two new weapons: a new type of low-power nuclear missile to be launched from a submarine, and a new type of nuclear cruise missile that would violate the INF agreement. This new missile — which would only come into service within a decade — would only be a violation of the treaty if it were deployed, the Pentagon says. It has always stressed that a research and development program was not prohibited by the 1987 treaty with Moscow. So starting Saturday "we are no longer bound by the constraints of the Treaty," Johnny Michael, a Pentagon spokesman, told AFP Friday. The 2019 US military budget provides funds for developing this new intermediate-range land-based missile and "we are still in the research phase," the spokesman said. In fact, the Pentagon was already preparing its response to Russian missile 9M729, with a top range of 480 kilometres, Moscow insists. But Washington, backed by NATO allies, says that Russian missile has already been tested on much greater distances. Arms race Johns Hopkins University's Jeffrey Pryce argues that the INF treaty favours the United States because, while it prohibits all surface-to-air missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres, conventional or intermediate, anything fired from a submarine or dropped by a bomber, simply is not covered. "Thus, the INF Treaty deprives Russia of a significant military capability, for which its size and location are strategic advantages," the former Pentagon official said on Twitter. "The US, by contrast, has the world's most powerful navy and air force. And the INF Treaty does not restrict sea-launched or air-launched missiles." According to figures from the anti-nuclear group Union of Concerned Scientists, the US nuclear arsenal holds 4,600 nuclear weapons, of which 1,740 are deployed and ready to be used at any time, and 2,922 stored. Ten US Navy submarines armed with nuclear missiles are constantly patrolling the seas, the group said. Russia has a similar number of nuclear warheads, but its nuclear submarines are in bad shape, as several accidents have shown in recent years. China, keen to assert military supremacy in Asia, also has intermediate-range missiles. According to experts, 95 per cent of Chinese missiles would violate the INF treaty if Beijing was a signatory. Michael Krepon, of the Stimson Center, believes that "we're headed toward a new nuclear arms race. "Any time your national defence budget is ten times bigger than Russia's and five times bigger than China's, you can afford an arms race. But arms races usually don't end well: even if you stay ahead of the competition, your security is diminished."

Dropping weapons treaty would let US update its nuclear arsenal

China hacked a US Navy contractor and got hold of secret information on the Navy's weapons plans as well as other sensitive information about military technology, reports said on Friday.&nbsp;

The hack attack resulted in the Chinese government stealing over 600 gigabytes of data about US Navy's missile project. The revelation of the cyber attack,&nbsp;comes days before President Trump attends a summit in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who counts Beijing among his allies.

The attack targeted the contractor's unclassified network.

Among the stolen data planned for a supersonic anti-ship missile that was planned to be on US submarines by 2020.

The breaches took place in January and February, the officials told the Post, speaking on condition of anonymity about an ongoing investigation led by the Navy and assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The FBI did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

"Per federal regulations, there are measures in place that require companies to notify the government when a 'cyber incident' has occurred that has actual or potential adverse effects on their networks that contain controlled unclassified information. It would be inappropriate to discuss further details at this time," the US&nbsp;Navy said in response to a query from Reuters.

The Chinese Embassy apparently does not know about the hacking, adding that the Chinese government "staunchly upholds cybersecurity, firmly opposes and combats all forms of cyber attacks in accordance with law."

The hacked material comprised 614 gigabytes relating to a project known as Sea Dragon, as well as signals and sensor data, submarine radio room information relating to cryptographic systems and the Navy submarine development unit’s electronic warfare library, the Post reported.

Reports of the hack come as tensions between Beijing and Washington continue to rise over a range of issues including trade and military matters.

Among the stolen data planned for a supersonic anti-ship missile that was planned to be on US submarines by 2020

China hacked a US Navy contractor and got hold of secret information on the Navy's weapons plans as well as other sensitive information about military technology, reports said on Friday. The hack attack resulted in the Chinese government stealing over 600 gigabytes of data about US Navy's missile project. The revelation of the cyber attack, comes days before President Trump attends a summit in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who counts Beijing among his allies. The attack targeted the contractor's unclassified network. Among the stolen data planned for a supersonic anti-ship missile that was planned to be on US submarines by 2020. The breaches took place in January and February, the officials told the Post, speaking on condition of anonymity about an ongoing investigation led by the Navy and assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. "Per federal regulations, there are measures in place that require companies to notify the government when a 'cyber incident' has occurred that has actual or potential adverse effects on their networks that contain controlled unclassified information. It would be inappropriate to discuss further details at this time," the US Navy said in response to a query from Reuters. The Chinese Embassy apparently does not know about the hacking, adding that the Chinese government "staunchly upholds cybersecurity, firmly opposes and combats all forms of cyber attacks in accordance with law." The hacked material comprised 614 gigabytes relating to a project known as Sea Dragon, as well as signals and sensor data, submarine radio room information relating to cryptographic systems and the Navy submarine development unit’s electronic warfare library, the Post reported. Reports of the hack come as tensions between Beijing and Washington continue to rise over a range of issues including trade and military matters.

China secretly hacked a US Navy contractor and got hold of its weapons plans: Report

By Manish Shukla

Bangladeshi terror groups are trying to bring weapons into the country from Pakistan's Karachi, a BSF report has said.&nbsp

The BSF report says a meeting was recently called by members of the Jamat ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and the Neo-JMB in Dhaka. Security agencies say the Neo-JMB is an offshoot of the JMB, a banned militant outfit.

The report says the meeting discussed the possibility of bringing arms and ammunition into the country, via the sea route, from Karachi to Chittagong.&nbsp

The BSF report has been shared with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs.&nbsp

Indian intelligence agencies say the JMB and Neo-JMB are active along the India-Bangladesh border.&nbsp

The agencies say the JMB is targeting teenagers studying in madrasas in the country's border districts to co-opt them into jihadist activities.&nbsp

The Neo-JMB is reportedly trying to regroup with the Sarwar Tamim faction of the JMB.

Indian intelligence agenices say the porous border between India and Bangladesh and the presence of a large number of illegal migrants from Bangladesh make it easy for terrorists to enter India. Furthermore, the numerous madrasas near the border provide a platform for the radicalisation of local youth.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) says its probe into the Burdwan blast revealed JMB members would regularly visit the madrasas in the border districts. The agency added that documents seized at the site of the blast indicated the regular conduct of terror-training classes by the JMB in West Bengal.

The BSF report has been shared with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs

By Manish Shukla Bangladeshi terror groups are trying to bring weapons into the country from Pakistan's Karachi, a BSF report has said. The BSF report says a meeting was recently called by members of the Jamat ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and the Neo-JMB in Dhaka. Security agencies say the Neo-JMB is an offshoot of the JMB, a banned militant outfit. The report says the meeting discussed the possibility of bringing arms and ammunition into the country, via the sea route, from Karachi to Chittagong. The BSF report has been shared with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs. Indian intelligence agencies say the JMB and Neo-JMB are active along the India-Bangladesh border. The agencies say the JMB is targeting teenagers studying in madrasas in the country's border districts to co-opt them into jihadist activities. The Neo-JMB is reportedly trying to regroup with the Sarwar Tamim faction of the JMB. Indian intelligence agenices say the porous border between India and Bangladesh and the presence of a large number of illegal migrants from Bangladesh make it easy for terrorists to enter India. Furthermore, the numerous madrasas near the border provide a platform for the radicalisation of local youth. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) says its probe into the Burdwan blast revealed JMB members would regularly visit the madrasas in the border districts. The agency added that documents seized at the site of the blast indicated the regular conduct of terror-training classes by the JMB in West Bengal.

Bangladeshi terror groups trying to bring in weapons from Karachi: BSF report

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Pakistan has seized vast amount of weapons and ammunition during a raid in Quetta.&nbsp;

The raid that was carried out along with the law enforcement agencies has recovered huge stock of explosives, weapons, suicide jackets.

The raid was conducted after the authorities received inputs from arrested terrorists.

The security forces had also evaded a major terrorist attack in Quetta recently by killing five suicide bombers who were aiming to enter&nbsp;into a Frontier Corps on an explosive-laden vehicle.

The raid that was carried out along with the law enforcement agencies has recovered huge stock of explosives, weapons, suicide jackets

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Pakistan has seized vast amount of weapons and ammunition during a raid in Quetta. The raid that was carried out along with the law enforcement agencies has recovered huge stock of explosives, weapons, suicide jackets. The raid was conducted after the authorities received inputs from arrested terrorists. The security forces had also evaded a major terrorist attack in Quetta recently by killing five suicide bombers who were aiming to enter into a Frontier Corps on an explosive-laden vehicle.

Large stock of weapons, ammunition seized in Quetta

Two rights groups campaigning for the French government to halt weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday they were taking their case to France's highest legal authority.

Pressure has been mounting on Macron to scale back arms support for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which are leading the coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi group that controls most of northern Yemen and the capital Sanaa.

The conflict has killed more than 10,000 people and displaced more than 3 million, with no sign of a diplomatic breakthrough to ease the crisis.

Droit Solidarite, a legal NGO, and Aser, which specialises in armament issues, demanded in March that export licenses to Saudi Arabia and the UAE be withdrawn. They gave Prime Minister Edouard Philippe a two-month ultimatum.

They have had no response, so the groups said they would present a legal challenge on Monday to the Conseil d'Etat, France's highest legal authority, which advises the government on legislative matters and arbitrates on public policy issues.

"It will be up to (Council of State) to decide on the legality of the export licence authorisations issued by the prime minister," ASER et Droit Solidarite said in a statement.

The two argue that France is violating national and international law by selling arms that are being used in the conflict in Yemen. The United Nations and rights groups accuse the coalition of targeting civilians, which amounts to a war crime, a charge the coalition denies.

Previouslt, Macron defended French weapons sales to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, but said he was concerned by the humanitarian situation and would host a conference on the issue before the summer.

Seventy-five percent of French people want Macron to suspend arms exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, a YouGov poll found. Several rights groups also have warned of possible legal action if the government does not halt its sales.

“Since the start of the conflict in Yemen, France has adopted a very specific process whereby all sales of military equipment are analysed on a case-by-case basis and on the basis of reinforced criteria that reflect respect for international humanitarian law and the risk of harm to civilian populations,” Macron said at a news conference alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

France is the world’s third biggest arms exporter and counts the two countries among its biggest purchasers.

Droit Solidarite, a legal NGO, and Aser, which specialises in armament issues, demanded in March that export licenses to Saudi Arabia and the UAE be withdrawn

Two rights groups campaigning for the French government to halt weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday they were taking their case to France's highest legal authority. Pressure has been mounting on Macron to scale back arms support for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which are leading the coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi group that controls most of northern Yemen and the capital Sanaa. The conflict has killed more than 10,000 people and displaced more than 3 million, with no sign of a diplomatic breakthrough to ease the crisis. Droit Solidarite, a legal NGO, and Aser, which specialises in armament issues, demanded in March that export licenses to Saudi Arabia and the UAE be withdrawn. They gave Prime Minister Edouard Philippe a two-month ultimatum. They have had no response, so the groups said they would present a legal challenge on Monday to the Conseil d'Etat, France's highest legal authority, which advises the government on legislative matters and arbitrates on public policy issues. "It will be up to (Council of State) to decide on the legality of the export licence authorisations issued by the prime minister," ASER et Droit Solidarite said in a statement. The two argue that France is violating national and international law by selling arms that are being used in the conflict in Yemen. The United Nations and rights groups accuse the coalition of targeting civilians, which amounts to a war crime, a charge the coalition denies. Previouslt, Macron defended French weapons sales to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, but said he was concerned by the humanitarian situation and would host a conference on the issue before the summer. Seventy-five percent of French people want Macron to suspend arms exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, a YouGov poll found. Several rights groups also have warned of possible legal action if the government does not halt its sales. “Since the start of the conflict in Yemen, France has adopted a very specific process whereby all sales of military equipment are analysed on a case-by-case basis and on the basis of reinforced criteria that reflect respect for international humanitarian law and the risk of harm to civilian populations,” Macron said at a news conference alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. France is the world’s third biggest arms exporter and counts the two countries among its biggest purchasers.

French government faces legal pressure over arms sales to Saudi, UAE

President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would make or buy any weapons it needed to defend itself in a region beset by "invading powers", as the military paraded missiles and soldiers in front of him on National Army Day.

Fighter jets and bombers flew overhead as Rouhani told the Tehran crowd and a live TV audience on Wednesday that Iran's forces posed no threat to its neighbours.

"We tell the world that we will produce or acquire any weapons we need, and will not wait for their approval ... We tell our neighbouring countries that our weapons are not against you, it's for deterrence," Rouhani said.

"We are not living in a normal region, and we see invading powers have built bases around us. Disregarding the principles of international law, they intervene in regional affairs and invade other countries without UN&nbsp;permission," Rouhani added.

US, British and French forces pounded Iran's ally Syria with air strikes early on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected April 7 chemical weapons attack, which they blame on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government.

Britain, France and Germany have proposed fresh EU sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missiles and its role in Syria’s war, in a bid to persuade US&nbsp;President Donald Trump to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran.

Trump has delivered an ultimatum to the European signatories to fix what he saw as the "terrible flaws" of the deal, threatening to refuse to extend US&nbsp;sanctions relief on Iran.

US&nbsp;sanctions will resume unless Trump issues fresh “waivers” to suspend them on May 12.

We are not living in a normal region, and we see invading powers have built bases around us, said Rouhani

President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would make or buy any weapons it needed to defend itself in a region beset by "invading powers", as the military paraded missiles and soldiers in front of him on National Army Day. Fighter jets and bombers flew overhead as Rouhani told the Tehran crowd and a live TV audience on Wednesday that Iran's forces posed no threat to its neighbours. "We tell the world that we will produce or acquire any weapons we need, and will not wait for their approval ... We tell our neighbouring countries that our weapons are not against you, it's for deterrence," Rouhani said. "We are not living in a normal region, and we see invading powers have built bases around us. Disregarding the principles of international law, they intervene in regional affairs and invade other countries without UN permission," Rouhani added. US, British and French forces pounded Iran's ally Syria with air strikes early on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected April 7 chemical weapons attack, which they blame on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government. Britain, France and Germany have proposed fresh EU sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missiles and its role in Syria’s war, in a bid to persuade US President Donald Trump to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran. Trump has delivered an ultimatum to the European signatories to fix what he saw as the "terrible flaws" of the deal, threatening to refuse to extend US sanctions relief on Iran. US sanctions will resume unless Trump issues fresh “waivers” to suspend them on May 12.

Iran will make or buy any weapons it needs: Rouhani

North Korea could buy time to build up and refine its nuclear arsenal, including a warhead able to survive re-entry into the Earth&rsquo;s atmosphere if it manages to drag out any talks with Washington, US officials and experts say.

Even if North Korea freezes nuclear detonations and missile tests during such talks - as South Korea has said Pyongyang offered to do - there is plenty of other technical work it could pursue while diplomatic efforts are under way, they say.

Such work could include completing development of a re-entry vehicle that can deliver a nuclear weapon, production of rocket frames, engines and mobile launchers and increasing the output of plutonium and highly enriched uranium for bomb-making.

&ldquo;North Korea can be expected to proceed on all these things ... unless an agreement freezes or stops these activities, something unlikely in the short run,&rdquo; said David Albright, a nuclear non-proliferation expert who heads Washington&#39;s Institute for Science and International Security.

President Donald Trump has said Pyongyang seems &quot;sincere&quot; in its offer of talks, but some in Washington are wary that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may be using it as a stalling tactic for further weapons development &ndash; especially of a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US mainland - and to seek relief from tough international sanctions.

US intelligence officials have said Kim is only months away from being able to mount such a strike, while some experts say he may already have the basic capability, even if it remains untested.

The Trump administration must weigh such risks, including North Korea&rsquo;s history of reneging on commitments, in deciding whether to go to the negotiating table, US officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Proponents of engagement, including Joel Wit, a senior fellow at Washington&#39;s US-Korea Institute, said the fact that North Korea was unlikely to agree to a complete freeze of activity should not be an obstacle.

&quot;These programs are going to continue, but if we have a suspension of nuclear tests and missile tests, that&rsquo;s a good first step here. It&rsquo;s better than not having one,&quot; he said.

US officials said Trump would be prepared to quickly pull the plug on diplomacy if it becomes obvious that Pyongyang is just trying to drag out talks.

One administration official said that while it was unclear how long Trump might keep the negotiating window open, it would likely be evident in months &ldquo;if North Korea is just playing us.&rdquo;

Either way, US officials and experts agree there is value in getting North Korea to put its testing on hold as launches and detonations are vital to developing reliable weapons.

North Korea has tested dozens of missiles of various types in the past two years, including one launch of its largest-ever intercontinental ballistic missile, which is theoretically capable of hitting anywhere in the United States, on November 29. There have since been no more tests.

South Korean envoys, who met Kim in Pyongyang this week and who are due in Washington to brief US officials on Thursday, said he offered to suspend all nuclear and missile tests while conducting talks with the United States.

They said Kim also expressed a willingness to denuclearize, something he previously declared non-negotiable if his country&rsquo;s security was guaranteed.

US and South Korean officials worry that North Korea will ultimately lay down impossible demands in talks &ndash; such as the complete withdrawal of US forces from South Korea - and once diplomacy fails, emerge as an even greater threat than before.

Perhaps North Korea&#39;s biggest challenge, experts say, is to show it can produce a re-entry vehicle robust enough to prevent a nuclear warhead burning up when it hurtles back into the Earth&#39;s atmosphere.

Some of that work can be done on the ground, although a live test will eventually be needed as North Korea has never flown a missile at a trajectory that would simulate a long-range flight, experts say.

US officials and experts believe North Korea also needs more time to create facilities capable of mass-producing missiles, engines and other components - a challenge to any country even without the constraints of stringent international sanctions.

To create a credible deterrent to the United States, North Korea would have to show it has the ability to launch multiple missiles at once to circumvent the US anti-missile defences in the event of war.

It also needs additional transporter-erector-launchers, or TELs, to enable it to fire missiles from hastily established positions less vulnerable to detection and attack than permanent launch sites.

US intelligence officials have said Kim is only months away from being able to mount such a strike

North Korea could buy time to build up and refine its nuclear arsenal, including a warhead able to survive re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere if it manages to drag out any talks with Washington, US officials and experts say. Even if North Korea freezes nuclear detonations and missile tests during such talks - as South Korea has said Pyongyang offered to do - there is plenty of other technical work it could pursue while diplomatic efforts are under way, they say. Such work could include completing development of a re-entry vehicle that can deliver a nuclear weapon, production of rocket frames, engines and mobile launchers and increasing the output of plutonium and highly enriched uranium for bomb-making. “North Korea can be expected to proceed on all these things ... unless an agreement freezes or stops these activities, something unlikely in the short run,” said David Albright, a nuclear non-proliferation expert who heads Washington's Institute for Science and International Security. President Donald Trump has said Pyongyang seems "sincere" in its offer of talks, but some in Washington are wary that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may be using it as a stalling tactic for further weapons development – especially of a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US mainland - and to seek relief from tough international sanctions. US intelligence officials have said Kim is only months away from being able to mount such a strike, while some experts say he may already have the basic capability, even if it remains untested. The Trump administration must weigh such risks, including North Korea’s history of reneging on commitments, in deciding whether to go to the negotiating table, US officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Proponents of engagement, including Joel Wit, a senior fellow at Washington's US-Korea Institute, said the fact that North Korea was unlikely to agree to a complete freeze of activity should not be an obstacle. "These programs are going to continue, but if we have a suspension of nuclear tests and missile tests, that’s a good first step here. It’s better than not having one," he said. US officials said Trump would be prepared to quickly pull the plug on diplomacy if it becomes obvious that Pyongyang is just trying to drag out talks. One administration official said that while it was unclear how long Trump might keep the negotiating window open, it would likely be evident in months “if North Korea is just playing us.” Either way, US officials and experts agree there is value in getting North Korea to put its testing on hold as launches and detonations are vital to developing reliable weapons. North Korea has tested dozens of missiles of various types in the past two years, including one launch of its largest-ever intercontinental ballistic missile, which is theoretically capable of hitting anywhere in the United States, on November 29. There have since been no more tests. South Korean envoys, who met Kim in Pyongyang this week and who are due in Washington to brief US officials on Thursday, said he offered to suspend all nuclear and missile tests while conducting talks with the United States. They said Kim also expressed a willingness to denuclearize, something he previously declared non-negotiable if his country’s security was guaranteed. US and South Korean officials worry that North Korea will ultimately lay down impossible demands in talks – such as the complete withdrawal of US forces from South Korea - and once diplomacy fails, emerge as an even greater threat than before. Perhaps North Korea's biggest challenge, experts say, is to show it can produce a re-entry vehicle robust enough to prevent a nuclear warhead burning up when it hurtles back into the Earth's atmosphere. Some of that work can be done on the ground, although a live test will eventually be needed as North Korea has never flown a missile at a trajectory that would simulate a long-range flight, experts say. US officials and experts believe North Korea also needs more time to create facilities capable of mass-producing missiles, engines and other components - a challenge to any country even without the constraints of stringent international sanctions. To create a credible deterrent to the United States, North Korea would have to show it has the ability to launch multiple missiles at once to circumvent the US anti-missile defences in the event of war. It also needs additional transporter-erector-launchers, or TELs, to enable it to fire missiles from hastily established positions less vulnerable to detection and attack than permanent launch sites.

US wary of North Korea weapons advances while talks take place

North Korea may declare the&nbsp;completion of its nuclear programme in a year&#39;s time, South Korea&#39;s unification minister said Tuesday.

&quot;Experts think North Korea will take two to three more years but they are developing their nuclear capabilities faster than expected and we cannot rule out the possibility Pyongyang may declare the completion of their nuclear programme in a year,&quot; Reuters reported Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon&nbsp;as saying at a media event in Seoul.

It was earlier reported on Tuesday that<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/flurry-of-activity-hints-at-another-north-korea-missile-test-reports-25310"> </a>North Korea might be preparing for yet another missile test.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/flurry-of-activity-hints-at-another-north-korea-missile-test-reports-25310" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Flurry of activity hints at another North Korea missile test</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-japan-and-south-korea-in-north-koreas-nuclear-hit-list-think-tank-24995">US, Japan, and South Korea in North Korea&#39;s nuclear hit-list, says think tank</a>

'We cannot rule out the possibility Pyongyang may declare the completion of their nuclear programme in a year,' Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon said

North Korea may declare the completion of its nuclear programme in a year's time, South Korea's unification minister said Tuesday. "Experts think North Korea will take two to three more years but they are developing their nuclear capabilities faster than expected and we cannot rule out the possibility Pyongyang may declare the completion of their nuclear programme in a year," Reuters reported Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon as saying at a media event in Seoul. It was earlier reported on Tuesday that North Korea might be preparing for yet another missile test. Also read: Flurry of activity hints at another North Korea missile test Also read: US, Japan, and South Korea in North Korea's nuclear hit-list, says think tank

North Korea may announce completion of nuclear programme in year's time: South Korea minister

At least 14 terrorists belonging to the Kurdistan Workers&#39; Party or PKK insurgent group were killed by the Turkish forces in southeastern Diyarbakir province on Saturday.

According to the Anadolu Agency, the Governor`s office in a statement said that another two were caught alive.

The operation launched on November 16 in Kulp district of the province is still underway.

A large number of weapons including 10 kilograms of explosives were also recovered during the operation.

Earlier, the forces killed 68 terrorists after they conducted 1,476 operations against terrorist organizations between October 30 and November 6.

The Kurdistan Workers&#39; Party or the PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey.

In the recent past, the clashes between the security forces and the PKK terrorists have intensified, in which more than 1,200 people, including members of security forces and civilians, have lost their lives.&nbsp;

A Large number of weapons including 10 kilograms of explosives were also recovered during the operation

At least 14 terrorists belonging to the Kurdistan Workers' Party or PKK insurgent group were killed by the Turkish forces in southeastern Diyarbakir province on Saturday. According to the Anadolu Agency, the Governor`s office in a statement said that another two were caught alive. The operation launched on November 16 in Kulp district of the province is still underway. A large number of weapons including 10 kilograms of explosives were also recovered during the operation. Earlier, the forces killed 68 terrorists after they conducted 1,476 operations against terrorist organizations between October 30 and November 6. The Kurdistan Workers' Party or the PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey. In the recent past, the clashes between the security forces and the PKK terrorists have intensified, in which more than 1,200 people, including members of security forces and civilians, have lost their lives.

Turkey forces kill 14 Kurdistan Workers' Party terrorists

An Oslo court on Wednesday jailed two jihadists of Pakistani and Chechen origin for six and seven and a half years, respectively, for joining the&nbsp;Islamic State&nbsp;in Syria. 
 
Adam Idrisovich Magomadov, a 23-year-old Russian of Chechen origin, and Hasan Ahmed, a 46-year-old Norwegian of Pakistani origin, were convicted of belonging to IS and of &quot;terror conspiracy&quot;. 
 
The two men, who had been living in Southeastern Norway, travelled together to Syria in August 2014, a little more than a month after the IS declared a caliphate in an area straddling Iraq and Syria. 
 
While there, the two took part in IS training programmes, vowed allegiance to the group, and bore weapons in its name, the court found. Magomadov was handed a heavier sentence because he stayed in Syria longer. 
 
The court found it likely that he had taken part in combat, that he had maintained ties with IS after returning to Norway, and that he, like his co-accused, planned to return to Syria. 
 
Ahmed, whose son Ishaq was also sentenced to eight years in prison in Norway last year for joining IS, will appeal the conviction, while Magomadov had not yet decided, their lawyers told public broadcaster NRK. Their sentences were in line with those requested by the prosecution. 
 
(AFP)

The two took part in IS training programmes, vowed allegiance to the group and bore weapons in its name

An Oslo court on Wednesday jailed two jihadists of Pakistani and Chechen origin for six and seven and a half years, respectively, for joining the Islamic State in Syria. Adam Idrisovich Magomadov, a 23-year-old Russian of Chechen origin, and Hasan Ahmed, a 46-year-old Norwegian of Pakistani origin, were convicted of belonging to IS and of "terror conspiracy". The two men, who had been living in Southeastern Norway, travelled together to Syria in August 2014, a little more than a month after the IS declared a caliphate in an area straddling Iraq and Syria. While there, the two took part in IS training programmes, vowed allegiance to the group, and bore weapons in its name, the court found. Magomadov was handed a heavier sentence because he stayed in Syria longer. The court found it likely that he had taken part in combat, that he had maintained ties with IS after returning to Norway, and that he, like his co-accused, planned to return to Syria. Ahmed, whose son Ishaq was also sentenced to eight years in prison in Norway last year for joining IS, will appeal the conviction, while Magomadov had not yet decided, their lawyers told public broadcaster NRK. Their sentences were in line with those requested by the prosecution. (AFP)

Pakistani and Chechen-origin jihadists jailed in Norway

Moroccan police have crushed an escape attempt by inmates at a juvenile detention centre in Casablanca, resulting in nine detainees being injured, the prison service said on Friday. 
 
&quot;The Ain Sebaa rehabilitation centre was the scene of rioting&quot; by prisoners on Thursday night, the General Directorate of Prisons and Re-integration said. 
 
Detainees at the centre in the Northeast of Morocco&#39;s biggest city set fire to beds in a bid to attract staff, attack them and try to escape, it said.&nbsp;The prisoners tried and failed to break into a weapons store, but managed to get out of the main building and set alight a prison bus, it said.&nbsp;They attacked and lightly wounded several staff. Police then intervened to put down the riot. 
 
An AFP photographer on the scene saw fire and smoke coming from the centre, which was surrounded by security forces.&nbsp;Videos posted online appeared to show a large explosion at the centre and a burning bus, with the sound of gunshots and police sirens. Local news websites said witnesses had heard the sound of gunfire coming from the facility. 
 
The prison service said nine detainees were hurt in the incident, although it was not clear whether from smoke inhalation or during clashes with the police. 
 
The prison service said it would open an enquiry to determine who was behind the incident. Moroccan prisons are chronically overcrowded, housing some 65,000 detainees in facilities with a capacity of just 30,000, according to the Ministry of Justice.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

The prisoners tried and failed to break into a weapons store, but managed to get out of the main building and set alight a prison bus

Moroccan police have crushed an escape attempt by inmates at a juvenile detention centre in Casablanca, resulting in nine detainees being injured, the prison service said on Friday. "The Ain Sebaa rehabilitation centre was the scene of rioting" by prisoners on Thursday night, the General Directorate of Prisons and Re-integration said. Detainees at the centre in the Northeast of Morocco's biggest city set fire to beds in a bid to attract staff, attack them and try to escape, it said. The prisoners tried and failed to break into a weapons store, but managed to get out of the main building and set alight a prison bus, it said. They attacked and lightly wounded several staff. Police then intervened to put down the riot. An AFP photographer on the scene saw fire and smoke coming from the centre, which was surrounded by security forces. Videos posted online appeared to show a large explosion at the centre and a burning bus, with the sound of gunshots and police sirens. Local news websites said witnesses had heard the sound of gunfire coming from the facility. The prison service said nine detainees were hurt in the incident, although it was not clear whether from smoke inhalation or during clashes with the police. The prison service said it would open an enquiry to determine who was behind the incident. Moroccan prisons are chronically overcrowded, housing some 65,000 detainees in facilities with a capacity of just 30,000, according to the Ministry of Justice. (AFP)

Mass jail-break attempt in Casablanca juvenile home leads to riot

Transforming a vehicle into a simple but deadly weapon of terror, as happened to such bloody effect in Nice on Thursday, is a tactic well known to intelligence agencies. 
 
A truck smashed into revellers celebrating France&#39;s Bastille Day, killing at least 84 and injuring scores, as its ploughed two kilometres through the crowd. 
 
In Israel and the Palestinian territories, car-ramming attacks have featured heavily in a wave of violence that has killed at least 215 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese since October last year. 
 
Western authorities have had to deal with three similar attacks in recent years: two in Britain and another in Canada. 
 
In May 2013, two Islamists smashed their car into British soldier Lee Rigby before attempting to behead him on a London street in broad daylight. 
 
The pair, who were of Nigerian heritage, said they attacked the 25-year-old fusilier to avenge the deaths of Muslims at the hands of British troops. 
 
Just 18 months later, a man claiming to be acting in the name of radical jihad ran over and killed Canadian soldier Patrice Vincent, also injuring a second man. 
 
Shortly after, the 25-year-old Muslim convert, Martin Couture-Rouleau, called the police emergency line to dedicate his attack to the cause of jihad. 
 
And in June 2007, two men in a burning jeep smashed into the main terminal building at Scotland&#39;s Glasgow Airport. One of the men was jailed for life, with the judge describing him as a &quot;religious extremist&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
For several years, extremist groups such as Islamic State and Al-Qaeda have exhorted followers via videos or messages to carry out such attacks using whatever comes to hand. 
 
In September 2014, Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, an IS spokesman who Western intelligence agencies have dubbed the group&#39;s &quot;attacks minister&quot;, issued chilling instructions that some have since apparently followed. 
 
&quot;If you cannot (detonate) a bomb or (fire) a bullet, arrange to meet alone with a French or an American infidel and bash his skull in with a rock, slaughter him with a knife, run him over with your car, throw him off a cliff, strangle him, or inject him with poison,&quot; he said. 
 
Al-Adnani said there was no need to &quot;consult anyone&quot; as all unbelievers are fair game: &quot;It is immaterial if the infidel is a combatant or a civilian... They are both enemies. The blood of both is permitted.&quot; 
 
(AFP) 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

In June 2007, two men in a burning jeep smashed into the main terminal building at Scotland's Glasgow Airport

Transforming a vehicle into a simple but deadly weapon of terror, as happened to such bloody effect in Nice on Thursday, is a tactic well known to intelligence agencies. A truck smashed into revellers celebrating France's Bastille Day, killing at least 84 and injuring scores, as its ploughed two kilometres through the crowd. In Israel and the Palestinian territories, car-ramming attacks have featured heavily in a wave of violence that has killed at least 215 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese since October last year. Western authorities have had to deal with three similar attacks in recent years: two in Britain and another in Canada. In May 2013, two Islamists smashed their car into British soldier Lee Rigby before attempting to behead him on a London street in broad daylight. The pair, who were of Nigerian heritage, said they attacked the 25-year-old fusilier to avenge the deaths of Muslims at the hands of British troops. Just 18 months later, a man claiming to be acting in the name of radical jihad ran over and killed Canadian soldier Patrice Vincent, also injuring a second man. Shortly after, the 25-year-old Muslim convert, Martin Couture-Rouleau, called the police emergency line to dedicate his attack to the cause of jihad. And in June 2007, two men in a burning jeep smashed into the main terminal building at Scotland's Glasgow Airport. One of the men was jailed for life, with the judge describing him as a "religious extremist". For several years, extremist groups such as Islamic State and Al-Qaeda have exhorted followers via videos or messages to carry out such attacks using whatever comes to hand. In September 2014, Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, an IS spokesman who Western intelligence agencies have dubbed the group's "attacks minister", issued chilling instructions that some have since apparently followed. "If you cannot (detonate) a bomb or (fire) a bullet, arrange to meet alone with a French or an American infidel and bash his skull in with a rock, slaughter him with a knife, run him over with your car, throw him off a cliff, strangle him, or inject him with poison," he said. Al-Adnani said there was no need to "consult anyone" as all unbelievers are fair game: "It is immaterial if the infidel is a combatant or a civilian... They are both enemies. The blood of both is permitted." (AFP)

When vehicles become weapons of terror

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