Kim Jong‑Un’s missile threat: North Korea says its weapons can strike 48 U.S. states, sparking warnings in Washington

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): The growing nuclear and missile ambitions of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un have now given sleepless nights not only to South Korea and Japan but also to the world's superpower America. A new map released by 'The Newsweek' has made a shocking revelation that North Korea's missile range has now developed so much that it can reach the mainland of America by crossing the Pacific Ocean. According to the report, Kim Jong Un's deadly missiles are now capable of directly targeting 48 states of America.

Kim Jong Un is consistently defying strict UN sanctions and developing new and advanced ballistic missiles. These new missiles not only have long-range capabilities but are also difficult to detect on radar. North Korea argues that it needs these weapons to defend itself against joint military exercises by the United States, South Korea, and Japan, but this is a direct ultimatum to Western countries.

North Korea's missile power, which has now become a global challenge, is being seen on three levels:

1. A headache for Japan and Korea (Hwasong-9):

Also known as the "Scud-ER," this missile has a range of 620 miles. It has the potential to destroy all of South Korea and southwestern Japan. Deployed on mobile launchers, it is extremely difficult to detect and destroy. It is capable of carrying high-explosive and chemical warheads.

2. US military base in Guam targeted (Hwasong-10):

Known as the BM-25 Musudan, it has a range of approximately 2,490 miles. This missile can directly target Guam, America's most strategically important military base in the Pacific Ocean. Its ability to carry a heavy 2,600-pound warhead makes it extremely lethal.

3. The Real Threat to the US (Hwasong-14):

The biggest concern for the US is the Hwasong-14, or KN-20, North Korea's first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Depending on its payload, it can fly up to 6,460 miles. This means Hawaii, Alaska, and a large portion of the United States are within its range. This is the weapon that has transformed North Korea from a regional threat to a global nuclear challenge.

According to estimates by the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), North Korea currently possesses fewer than 10 missiles capable of reaching the United States. However, at the rate at which Kim Jong Un is expanding his arsenal, it is estimated that this number will reach 50 by 2035. This means that North Korea is poised to emerge as a significant challenge to US security in the coming decade.