North Korea's newest ICBM might be able to reach anywhere in America
North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile early Wednesday local time that flew 2,800 miles into the air, or about 10 times higher than the International Space Station. It "went higher, frankly, than any previous shot they've taken," Defense Secretary James Mattis told reporters, adding that Pyongyang's goal is missiles "that can threaten everywhere in the world." If it had been aimed at a standard trajectory, the new ICBM would have a range of more than 8,100 miles, or "more than enough range to reach Washington, D.C.," which is 6,850 miles from Pyongyang, said David Wright at the Union of Concerned Scientists.
North Korea lauded the launch on state TV, claiming it can now "load the heaviest warhead and strike anywhere in the mainland United States." Experts disputed that North Korea could reach the U.S. with a warhead yet. "Perhaps they can hit Washington, D.C., with this, but they can't fight a war with it," said German missile expert Markus Schiller. But South Korea's unification minister, Cho Myoung-gyon, said Pyongyang may be ready with its nuclear program in as soon as a year. You can learn more about North Korea's third ICBM test in the Fox News report below. Peter Weber
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
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.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
House GOP starts Mayorkas impeachment clock
Speed Read House Republicans demand an impeachment trial for Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Bankman-Fried gets 25 years for fraud
Speed Read Former "crypto king" Sam Bankman-Fried will report to federal prison
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'His story should be here'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
Israel proposes two-month pause in Gaza war in exchange for all Hamas hostages
Speed Read Deal doesn't include an agreement to end war, but might be 'the only path that could lead to a ceasefire', said US officials
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Nato official warns of all-out war with Russia in next 20 years
Speed Read Civilians must prepare for life-changing conflict and mass mobilisation, says military chief
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Rishi Sunak visits Kyiv to announce £2.5 billion in military support for Ukraine
Speed Read Surprise trip comes amid increased Russian bombardment and escalation of Middle East crisis
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red Sea
Speed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Israel preparing to flood Hamas tunnels with seawater
Speed Read IDF pumps could drive out terrorists but critics warn of danger to hostages and Gaza water supply
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacks
speed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages released
Speed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'
Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
By The Week UK Published