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

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."
"We will keep closely watching the speech and behavior of the U.S.," the Korean People's Army Strategic Force said.
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.
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
-
How will Wall Street react to the Trump-Powell showdown?
Today's Big Question 'Market turmoil' seems likely
By Joel Mathis, The Week US
-
Google ruled a monopoly over ad tech dominance
Speed Read Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed the ruling as a 'landmark victory in the ongoing fight to stop Google from monopolizing the digital public square'
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
El Salvador's CECOT prison becomes Washington's go-to destination
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Republicans and Democrats alike are clamoring for access to the Trump administration's extrajudicial deportation camp — for very different reasons
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans