World War 3 in MONTHS: North Korea ready to launch nuclear strike on EUROPE, warns France

NORTH Korea could be about to launch a nuclear attack on Europe, France warned today.

The North Korea situation was now “extremely serious”, said France's foreign minister, with even Paris, London, Rome and other European capitals in range.

Jean-Yves Le Drian warned of an “explosive” conclusion unless something was done to stop the hermit state. 

He said today: "The situation is extremely serious … we see North Korea setting itself as an objective to have, tomorrow or the day after, missiles that can transport nuclear weapons. 

“In a few months that will be a reality.”

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North Korea is set to attack Europe, France has warned

North Korea has the means to strike the United States, even Europe

Jean-Yves Le Drian

He said conflict was not far away and everyone from Europe, America and Japan to North Korea’s historic allies China were at risk. 

Mr Le Drian continued: “At the moment, when North Korea has the means to strike the United States, even Europe, but definitely Japan and China, then the situation will be explosive.”

He called on Kim Jong-un’s rogue state to halt its sabre-rattling and begin talks with other states. 

The minister said: “North Korea must find the path to negotiations. It must be diplomatically active.”

And even Russian leader Vladimir Putin waded into the mix - albeit stopping short of encouraging pressure on North Korea. 

He said instead of military threats or sanctions he favoured direct negotiations with Pyongyang. 

He said: “It is essential to resolve the region's problems through direct dialogue involving all sides without advancing any preconditions.

“Provocations, pressure, and bellicose and offensive rhetoric is the road to nowhere."

Is Kim Jong-un developing more advanced ballistic missiles?

Wed, August 23, 2017

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un looks on during a visit to the Chemical Material Institute of the Academy of Defense Science

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un gives field guidance during a visit to the Chemical Material Institute of the Academy of Defense Science in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang

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Yesterday Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe also warned North Korea could now attack Europe. 

Standing alongside Theresa May, Shinzo Abe said North Korea “has become a global threat” with its missile tests.

He said: “North Korea, they’ve conducted two missile launch, of the class of intercontinental ballistic missile.

“That threat is felt not only by our country or Asia alone, it has become a global threat including Europe.

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North Korea has infuriated their Western rivals with repeated missile tests and military drills

“In other words, North Korea will launch ICBMs and the range will include almost the entire region of Europe – it has become a global threat.” 

It comes after North Korea sent a missile soaring over Japan - a highly-provocative act which caused panic for people on the ground below. 

Terrified civilians were woken by emergency text alerts which said: "Missile passing. Missile passing.

“A short time ago, a missile apparently passed above this area. If you find suspicious objects, please don’t go near them and immediately call police or firefighters. Please take cover in secure buildings or underground."

USA V North Korea: This is the brutal US military arsenal poised to WIPE OUT Kim’s threat

NORTH Korea tensions and the possibility of an all-out war are continuing to rise but recent bombing drills by South Korean and US troops suggest military options are being considered to end the crisis.

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After North Korea’s UN envoy said the country would never bow down to international pressure and give up its nuclear weapons program, diplomatic means of addressing the hostilities appear to have been sidelined in favour of military action.

Donald Trump’s UN ambassador Nikki Haley and the President himself have said “the time for talk is over”, despite China, Russia, and other members of the US administration claiming dialogue remains the main aim.

The US military has a huge presence in the area around North Korea, particularly in Japan and increasingly close allies South Korea.

There are almost 40,000 US troops serving in Japan, more than in any other country, and earlier this year the US Air Force lined up a huge array of helicopters, tactical fighter jets and surveillance aircraft in a show of force aimed to intimidate Kim Jong-un.

Among the aircraft were HH-60 Pave Hawks, a twin-turboshaft helicopter primarily used for the insertion and rescue of special operation personnel. 

The aircraft’s versatility makes it incredibly useful in other operations too, including civilian rescue and disaster relief.

The F-15 Eagles, America’s twin-engine, all-weather tactile fighter jets, are also stationed in the region and are among the most successful modern fighters, with over 100 victories and no losses in aerial combat.

Also headquartered in Japan is the Seventh Fleet, the largest of the US navy’s deployed sea forces.

The flagship carrier is the USS Ronald Reagan, a nuclear-powered aircraft supercarrier that forms part of “the most effective and agile fighting force in the world”. 

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Two US Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers fly from Guam escorted by a pair of Japanese F-15 fighter jets

Also in the fleet are up to 14 destroyers and cruisers at any given time, some armed with ballistic missile interceptors.

A collection of long-range Tomahawk land missiles, which made headlines earlier this year when President Trump fired 59 of them at an airbase in Syria, joins the arsenal.

As if that wasn’t enough, there are also 12 nuclear-powered submarines available should war break out.

South of the demilitarised zone (DMZ), the US has 23,468 troops at 83 different sites as well as hundreds of tanks and armoured vehicles, meaning there is always a heavy military presence should North Korea decide to launch a land attack.