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| Syria Getting Missiles From N. Korea |
| Wednesday, March 09, 2005 |
United Nations -- "We are concerned about the North Koreans in Syria and the missiles they are selling," revealed a senior official in the Israeli foreign ministry.
The official, who spoke on background, made it clear that Jerusalem is "increasing" concerned about the North Korean presence in the Middle East.
According to the Israeli official and seconded by U.S. officials, the North Koreans are in Syria "to service and train" the military in the use of newly acquired ballistic missiles.
CIA chief Porter Goss reported on the North Korean activity in Syria during a recent hearing on Capitol Hill.
"These are updated Scuds with far more accuracy," explained the Israeli. He went on to explain that "all of Israel" is within range of these new weapons.
North Korea, explained the Israeli, is picking up part of the weapons void left by the dissolution of the old Soviet Union. "They sell weapons and the price is cheap," he added.
The Syrian missiles take on an additional importance when one considers that Iran has recently tested domestically produced ballistic missiles that also put all of Israel within range.
Both Tehran and Damascus recently reaffirmed a "defense" alliance aimed at Washington and Jerusalem.
The Iranian and Syrian missiles are both believed capable of delivering "unconventional" warheads. In the Iranian case, nuclear and chemical/bio-weapons could be delivered. It is not clear whether the Syrian missiles have nuclear capabilities, but the Israelis believe they too could be modified.
The number of missiles sent by Pyongyang and the size of the North Korean military presence in the country were not revealed by the Israeli, though he explained the Israel Defense Forces "are dealing with the problem."
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posted by J.R. @ 2:44:00 AM   |
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