Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea commander met this week in Washington D.C. with several senior U.S. military and interagency officials to discuss an array of initiatives to address North Korea’s evolving nuclear and ballistic missile programs and blatant disregard for its international obligations. 

General Brooks’ engagements included separate meetings with the director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, Hon. John O. Brennan, and the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, Gen. Raymond A. Thomas. The leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including options to deter North Korea from future provocations and the need to increase coordination in countering the escalating threat posed by North Korea.

"USFK is working closely with leaders and experts from across the U.S. Government to respond to the threat posed by North Korea," said Gen. Brooks. "Our extensive U.S. coordination in Washington complements our Alliance cooperation in Seoul and enhances our ability to deter North Korea."

The leaders also shared views on the importance of reinforcing the ironclad ROK-U.S. Alliance, and its critical role as the cornerstone of stability on the Korean Peninsula, and throughout the region.

These meetings come after the fifth nuclear test which key U.S. officials have condemned. U.S. leadership has asserted that North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs pose an "unacceptable threat" and that the ROK-U.S. Alliance are "taking actions to respond to North Korea’s continued aggressive behavior and will leverage the full range of military capabilities to provide and strengthen extended deterrence against threats to the security of the Korean Peninsula and the region."