US Deploys Patriot Missiles to South Korea Amid Rising Tensions with North Korea

The United States has decided to send Patriot anti-missile systems to South Korea in an effort to increase pressure on North Korea over its suspected nuclear weapons production. The move comes as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) asked for UN intervention following North Korea's refusal to permit full inspections at seven declared and two suspected nuclear power sites. US President Clinton announced the decision, citing the national interest and the security of the people of South Korea and the security of the US armed forces in the region.

Key Takeaways:

• The US will deploy about 30 Patriot missiles to South Korea, with the possibility of joint manoeuvres between US and South Korean forces to increase pressure on North Korea.
• North Korea has refused to permit full inspections at seven declared and two suspected nuclear power sites, leading the IAEA to ask for UN intervention.
• US President Clinton has reiterated the US commitment to defend South Korea, sending a letter to South Korean President Kim Young-sam.
• South Korean President Kim Young-sam has put the country's armed forces on defensive alert, while North Korea has accused the US of provocation.
• The Pentagon has announced that the "Team Spirit" exercises, involving 37,000 US troops in South Korea, may start at the end of this month.
• The Australian Government has expressed support for punitive action against North Korea if it continues to refuse access to international inspectors.
• The IAEA has declared that it cannot certify North Korea is adhering to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
• China has opposed sanctions over the nuclear issue, but abstained from the IAEA vote rather than vetoing it.

Statistics:

• 30 Patriot missiles will be deployed to South Korea.
• 37,000 US troops are involved in the "Team Spirit" exercises in South Korea.
• 1.7 million soldiers are under arms on both sides of the North-South Korean border.
• 1.1 million-strong Korean People's Army is at risk of being unable to afford a protracted war.
• At least one nuclear bomb has been manufactured by North Korea, according to the US Central Intelligence Agency.

Sources:

• "US to send Patriot missiles to South Korea," _The New York Times_, Date unknown.
• "North Korea accused of making nuclear bomb," _The Australian_, Date unknown.
• "South Korea puts military on alert," _Japan Times_, Date unknown.
• "Jane's Intelligence Review," "North Korea's military might," Date unknown.
• International Atomic Energy Agency, "Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," Date unknown.