Washington (CNN) The commander of US forces in South Korea warned lawmakers Wednesday that the US might not have sufficient intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities on the Korean peninsula to see an attack coming if denuclearization talks between Washington and Pyongyang fall apart, causing hostilities to flare up again.

"As we look to the future as conditions might change, if they change negatively then our stance, our posture is not adequate to provide us an unblinking eye to give us early warning and indicators," Gen. Robert Abrams, commander of US Forces Korea told the House Armed Services Committee Wednesday.

"Suffice it to say we are short to do that if things start to turn bad," he added.

Abrams also said Wednesday that North Korean activity observed by the US is "inconsistent with denuclearization," making it necessary for the US to "maintain a postured and ready force to deter any possible aggressive actions."

"I remain clear-eyed about the fact that despite a reduction in tensions along the demilitarized zone and a cessation of strategic provocations coupled with public statements of intent to denuclearize. Little to no verifiable change has occurred in North Korea's capabilities," he said.

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