New Details Emerge Regarding Australia's Current State

Northern Australia was bombed by North Korea late last night

Claire Herly of the Australian War Ministry states that the death toll is now approximately 55 (earlier reports of 55,000 were caused by technical difficulties on her end). It would have been greater if not for the north's population being sparse.

The UN Security Council is meeting to form a response coalition. Most major Western superpowers have indicated major support, but it is unclear which specifically.

To aid those who survived the attack, all of the major aid NGOs are now on the ground, including the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders.

It has been determined that the weapon was not a nuclear bomb.

There have been no official instances of additional foreign aid, but Hely believes that USAID workers are on the ground as part of their discretionary budget.

Hely does not believe that Australia was the intended target of the missile.

Further International Response to Bombings

Japan, a concerned nation

Japanese ambassador to Australia, Tochi Kumakawa, says Japan stands against the actions of the North Korean regime, and offers support to Australians. They do not want to "isolate the Koreans more than necessary."

Press Secretary for the United Kingdom, O'Connell, states that his country "is deeply moved by this unnecessary loss of life, especially because we are so intertwined with the Australians."

Australia Hopes for North Korean Sanctions

Australia hope that sanctions will be placed on North Korea, as a result of the potential meeting of the Security Council.


Since the Australian government is unsure about the nature of the attacks, as well as the type of weapons used, it will not yet plan to retaliate, says Assistant to the Defense Minister, Harvey Hemley.


The Nation's main concern is gathering international support, for whatever the actions Australia will take.

Ballistic Strike in Northern Australia

Previous attacks on Yeonpyeong bear striking similarities to the current strike on Australia

25 ballistic missiles were launched at long range to the Northern coast of Australia by North Korea.  Not only is this the first act of war committed by North Korea outside the Korean peninsula, but it is also an act of aggression against a Western Nation and former colony.  There is no indication of the attack was nuclear, but information is limited at this time and speculation runs rampant. 

Australia is taking all precautions possible, including the assumption that North Korea may have used nuclear force and the preparation for potential future attacks.  Harvey Henley, assistant to the Australian defense minister, claims the attack was made for political ideals, yet North Korea’s official statement is still awaited.  He says, “We see no reason why missiles targeted Northern Australia.”

The US ambassador to Australia, Richard Masterson, says, “The U.S. plans to send as many aid workers as possible to Australia, and we post for an emergency meeting of the Security Council to discuss the political instability in North Korea.”  The U.S. plans to announce their official course of action shortly.

This attack was at the longest range available to North Korean artillery.  It comes on the heels of attacks on South Korea, which also has strong allies with the western world.  This attack bears many similarities to the recent bombardment of Yeonpyeong Island in South Korean territory.  This prior attack led to the deaths of many innocent South Koreans, yet there was no response made by South Korean government.

When contacted, the Chinese Minister of Foreign affairs, Liu Xiaobao, responded “China is reconsidering their unconditional support of North Korea.”  According to Xiaobao, China had no indication of an attack planned.  When asked about whether China would support North Korea in the event of western military force, Xiaobao responds, “No we cannot.  We deplore the attack and had no part in it.”

Whether this remains merely a flexing of power from the politically turbulent North Korea, or signs of an impending military campaign orchestrated by North Korea remains to be seen.  However, an Australian retaliation is a distinct possibility. 

Executing a ballistic strike without official declaration of war violates U.N. rulings, and how the international community will deal with this offense remains to be seen.  No matter what the response, this tragedy strikes at the heart of all people everywhere.

BREAKING: NORTH KOREA BOMBS NORTHERN AUSTRALIA

North Korea has launched several missles onto northern Australia.

Hundreds are dead or wounded.

No governments have offered an official statement as of yet.