The United States issued a stark warning to North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un on Thursday, saying the US is prepared to “utterly destroy” his regime following Kim’s successful test of a long-range, intercontinental missile capable of striking the east coast of America, reports Yahoo News.
Speaking at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, US Ambassador Nikki Haley said the US was not seeking an armed conflict on the Korean peninsula, but would “utterly” destroy Kim’s regime should war erupt.
“If war does come, it will be because of continued acts of aggression like we witnessed yesterday,” said Haley. “…and if war comes, make no mistake, the North Korean regime will be utterly destroyed.”
Haley told world leaders the US has asked China to cut-off oil shipments to North Korea, a drastic move the communist ally has so far refused. An oil embargo against Kim’s regime would effectively shut down North Korea’s weapons programs, as well as its ability to conduct day-to-day operations.
Earlier this week, President Trump confirmed Washington was coordinating a response to Kim’s missile test with Beijing, saying he had spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping and that the US will “handle” the hermit kingdom.
“Just spoke to President Xi Jinping of China concerning the provocative actions of North Korea. Additional major sanctions will be imposed on North Korea today. This situation will be handled!” Trump posted on twitter.