Top Pentagon Brass Avoid Calling Alleged North Korean Attack An Act Of War

Defense Secretary Robert Gates stressed Thursday that the U.S. stands by the South Korean government following their announcement that the North Koreans likely sunk one of their naval vessels this March, but, when prompted by reporters, stopped short of calling the attack an act of war.

“We obviously are in close consultations with the Koreans and … naturally they would have the lead in the path forward,” said Gates during a press briefing at the Pentagon with Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “I think, basically, what we’ve said is all we there is for us to say.”

Although the two officials were unwilling to detail the implications of the attack for American forces, Gates stressed that the U.S. would be able to confront the North Koreans military, despite the level of resources invested in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The alleged attack killed 46 sailors. According to Mullen, U.S. forces in the area are not on a high state of alert in response.

“They’re on their normal state of readiness,” Mullen said. “The forces are currently aware of what’s gone on, but we haven’t changed any readiness levels.”