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The Associated Press reports that the North Korea ship Kang Nam has reversed course from its supposed target. The ship, which was suspected of carrying banned weapons, reportedly was headed to Myanmar. After North Korea threatened to attack Hawaii, the U.S. sent the destroyer U.S.S. John McCain to intercept the Kang Nam.

The Kang Nam’s destination is still a mystery, and no one knows why the ship changed course. According to the AP, our Navy had been following the ship at a distance. North Korea threatened war if its ships were stopped and inspected.

Earlier this month, President Barack Obama said that the U.S. was “more than willing to engage in negotiations to get North Korea on a path of peaceful coexistence with its neighbors…[b]ut belligerent, provocative behavior that threatens neighbors will be met with significant and serious enforcement of sanctions that are in place.”

(Photo credit: Vincent Yu/AP/File)

 
Earlier this week, Japan’s Coast Guard reported that North Korea banned ships from its coast by a wide range, fueling speculation that the rogue state was preparing to launch more missiles. The ban will last from June 25 to July 10. Turns out the speculation was on point. The U.S. believes North Korea is gearing up to launch short- to medium-range missiles, according to intelligence. (Source)

This month, North Korea conducted a nuclear test and fired at least five short-range missiles. A ship called the Kang Nam, which was headed to Myanmar, was suspected of carrying banned weapons. North Korea threatened to attack Hawaii and hinted at more aggressive actions if its ships were stopped and searched. The U.S. sent the destroyer U.S.S. John McCain to intercept the ship.

The launch of short- and medium-range missiles, and not the long-range Taepodong-2, seems to indicate that Hawaii won’t be attacked. If North Korea goes foward with its long-range missile launch, the U.S. will deploy a missile intercept and radar system to Hawaii to shoot down the missile.

Is North Korea that stupid? The rogue state’s been pretty bold so far.

 
North Korea has accused President Barack Obama of planning to strike the rogue state with a nuclear weapon. (Source)

North Korea also accused South Korea of colluding with the U.S. in its scheme. According to state-run newspaper Tongil Sinbo: “The US-touted provision of ‘extended deterrence, including a nuclear umbrella’ (for South Korea ) is nothing but ‘a nuclear war plan.’” The paper said the U.S. was bringing “nuclear equipment” into South Korea .

Of course, these accusations are a subterfuge, and a poor one at that. North Korea is conducting nuclear tests and launching missiles despite international sanctions and disapproval. North Korea has threatened more nuclear tests and long-range missile launches. North Korea declared that if any country searched its ships suspected of carrying nuclear weapons, it would be considered an act of war. Sources reported that North Korea may be planning to attack Hawaii. North Korea clearly is the aggressor in these scenarios, and our president would do well not to be deterred by the rogue nation’s posturing.

Last week, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said the U.S. intended to “vigorously enforce” U.N. sanctions against North Korea. To prepare for aggressive action, our country sent the U.S.S. John McCain to intercept the Kang Nam (pictured above) off the coast of China. The Associated Press reports that the flagged ship may be sailing toward Myanmar with banned weapons.

(Photo credit: Vincent Yu/AP/File)