Defense secretary Austin to North Korea: US is ready to ‘fight tonight’

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Thursday that American forces are ready to “fight tonight,” in response to North Korea slamming drills resuming between the US and South Korea.

The US and South Korean forces have resumed military drills after pausing the exercises more than a year ago over coronavirus concerns.

“Our force remains ready to ‘fight tonight,’ and we continue to make progress toward the eventual transition of wartime Operational Control to a [Republic of Korea]-commanded, future Combined Forces Command,” Austin said.

“While meeting all the conditions for this transition will take more time, I’m confident that this process will strengthen our alliance,” the Defense Secretary continued.

Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Japan Monday for a four day trip aimed at reiterating America’s commitment to allies in the region.

Washington-led diplomacy efforts focused on denuclearizing North Korea have remained stalled over sanctions disputes. Experts are weighing a potential compromise that would freeze the dictatorship’s nuclear activities in exchange for relaxing sanctions.

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