North Korea reveals the specifics of its Guam attack plan, which could be finalized in a week

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un
(Image credit: KNS/AFP/Getty Images)

North Korea revealed Thursday that it's planning to fire precisely four intermediate-range ballistic missiles into the waters of the U.S. territory of Guam. The missiles would apparently fly over Japan and allegedly land 19 to 25 miles away from the island, a U.S. military hub. The Associated Press reported that "by launching a volley of four, the North would be attempting to make it harder for the U.S. to intercept all of the incoming missiles."

The plan could be finalized in as little as a week before it goes to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who would decide whether to move forward with it. Though North Korea isn't concerned about President Trump's threat to rain down "fire and fury" if its threats continue, The Associated Press noted it's "unclear" whether North Korea would actually carry out its plan, as attacking Guam would inevitably further inflame tensions and "provoke countermeasures."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
Explore More