FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DEFCON Warning System – Update 1/1/2018
This is the DEFCON Warning System.
Alert status for 7 P.M., PDT, Monday, January 1, 2018.
Condition code is Green.
DEFCON 5.
There are currently no imminent nuclear threats against the United States at this time.
North Korea has tested a missile capable of flying for 50 minutes and an altitude over 4,000 kilometres. This test took a number of experts by surprise, and many warn that North Korea is rapidly advancing its ICBM capabilities. South Korea believes that North Korea may complete its nuclear program in 2018. Additionally, North Korea is continuing work at expanding the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site. We are likely to see another nuclear test much sooner than most experts predicted.
North Korea has rejected talks with United States over its nuclear weapons program, stating that their program was non-negotiable. The country also states that its nuclear weapons programme includes pre-emptive strikes. Sanctions continue to be placed against North Korea in an attempt to stop the country’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, however China and Russia continue to help North Korea evade these sanctions.
The United States believes simple deterrence will not work against North Korea. Subsequently, the Pentagon is scouting the U.S. West Coast for places to deploy new anti-missile defences. It is also planning to boost its missile defence system, though inadequate testing has caused serious doubts about its effectiveness.
IMPORTANT: It is the DEFCON Warning System analysis that United States believes military action is the only way to stop North Korea’s nuclear programme, but is unable to convince politicians and allies. It is hoping North Korea will provide the provocation necessary to attack. Unless something significant changes, the United States will not attack on its own. Nevertheless, 2018 will continue to see the United States attempt to drum up support for military action against North Korea. Additionally, North Korea will continue to move toward finishing their nuclear program unless stopped.
NATO claims that China’s growing military strength and a resurgent Russia will pose growing challenges to the trans-Atlantic alliance in coming years. It warns that there is a considerable increase in the risk of a major interstate conflict. The United States is set to revive its “peace through strength” policy, and intends to continue to project American power in the world theatre.
Russia signs a cooperative agreement with Egypt, allowing each country to use their airspace and bases for their military planes. Russia also plans to build two new nuclear plants in Iran. Additionally, Russia announced its intention to further limit U.S. military reconnaissance flights over Russian territory in opposition of the Open Skies Treaty.
In the Middle East, the United States has officially recognized Jerusalem as capital of Israel, and the United Nations is concerned that Iran is continuing to develop ballistic weapons, though the body says Iran is compliant on the nuclear deal.
The DEFCON Warning System is a private intelligence organization which has monitored and assessed nuclear threats against the United States by national entities since 1984. It is not affiliated with any government agency and does not represent the alert status of any military branch. The public should make their own evaluations and not rely on the DEFCON Warning System for any strategic planning. At all times, citizens are urged to learn what steps to take in the event of a nuclear attack.
If this had been an actual attack, the DEFCON Warning System will give radiation readings for areas that are reported to it. Your readings will vary. Official news sources will have radiation readings for your area.
For immediate updates, go to www.defconwarningsystem.com . Breaking news and important information can be found on the DEFCON Warning System community forum and on the DEFCON Twitter feed DEFCONWSAlerts. You may also subscribe to the DEFCON Warning System mailing list. The next scheduled update is 7 P.M. Pacific Time, February 1, 2018. Additional updates will be made as the situation warrants, with more frequent updates at higher alert levels.
www.defconwarningsystem.com
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