South Korean naval vessels patrol off Yeonpyeong Island in the disputed waters of the Yellow Sea, the scene of previous clashes with North Korea. South Korean and U.S. troops were put on on higher alert after North Korea announced it was abandoning the 1953 armistice that ended the Korean War. The U.S. however said the situation was not a crisis, and ruled out sending more troops. Byun Yeong-wook / AFP/Getty ImagesFrom The L.A. Times:
Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the actions are provocative and require a diplomatic response, but there is no need for additional troops in the region.
Reporting from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today that weapons tests this week by North Korea pose problems for the United States, its allies and countries in the region, but do not constitute a crisis or require additional American troops.
The nuclear detonation and the missile tests Monday and Tuesday were hostile actions that merit a response, Gates said. But he emphasized the need for diplomatic answers.
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My Comment: I disagree. What else can I say.