US able to destroy N.Korea missiles: general

The United States would be able to destroy North Korea's long-range missile capabilities if it decides they pose too great a threat, the top US general in South Korea said in an interview released Thursday.

The comments come after US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, on a visit this week to North Korea's main ally China, warned that Pyongyang was expected to be able to hit the continental United States within five years.

"What we have to be prepared to do is to be able to, number one, deter. But if deterrence doesn't work, be prepared to respond," General Walter Sharp, commander of the US forces in Korea, told the "PBS Newshour" on US public television.

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