North Korea recently test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that flew its longest-ever recorded distance and could potentially strike the U.S. mainland, South Korea, and Japan. This launch, which occurred just before the U.S. presidential election, follows increased tensions with U.S. allies in the region and reports of North Korean troops training in Russia for possible deployment in Ukraine. The missile was in the air for 86 minutes, traveling about 620 miles before crashing into the sea. However, due to its high angle and altitude, it could theoretically have flown much farther, possibly reaching Alaska or Washington, D.C.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un described the test as a response to enemies and appropriate military action. The White House condemned the launch as a violation of U.N. resolutions but stated it did not pose an immediate threat to the U.S. or its allies. The timing of the test, just before the U.S. election, suggests that North Korea may have had the election in mind when conducting it.
North Korea is believed to possess about 50 nuclear warheads, but they are not actively deployed on its weapons systems. The U.S. and Russia have the largest nuclear arsenals, with more than 10,500 warheads each. This latest missile test raises concerns about North Korea’s capabilities and intentions, as well as the broader issue of nuclear proliferation and security in the region.
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