NKorea may be considering more attacks: US

WASHINGTON: North Korea may be other attacks and provocations, a U.S. general told Congress on Wednesday, adding that Washington needed to be prepared to respond appropriately if necessary.

"I do not worry there are other attacks and provocations that are being considered in North Korea," said the commander of U.S. forces in South Korea, Gen. Walter Sharp.

Tensions with North Korea reached their highest level since the 1950-53 Korean War after the sinking last year of a warship and the South Korean bombing of a South Korean island sea ​​off the west coast of the peninsula.

These attacks have killed more than 50 South Koreans.

Pyongyang denies any involvement in the sinking, accusing Seoul of its sting in launching the artillery attack later - rejected by Seoul and the United States.

Sharp, testified before the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, renewed interest in the United States that the attacks last year may be only a sign of things to come, especially the fragility of leading North- Korean Kim Jong-il is preparing his son Kim Jong-one for the estate.

"There are real challenges of North Korea that we must be prepared to deter and if deterrence does not work, be prepared to answer," Sharp said, without predicting what kind of response may be necessary.

deterrence strategy of the United States has included the strengthening of joint military exercises with South Korea. Washington has also urged China, a close ally of North Korea, to build on Pyongyang to avoid further provocations.