Anatomy of a Crisis: The North Korea threat – Politico

Where North Korea can strike

For years, North Korea has had the ability to launch short-range missiles at targets up to 800 miles away. But this year, North Korea successfully tested intermediate-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Experts now think the country is capable of hitting targets more than 7,000 miles away, which includes cities in the continental United States.

Active U.S.

military

personnel

Missile type

KN-08

7,200 miles

Active U.S.

military

personnel

Active U.S.

military

personnel

North Koreas nuclear program has grown under Kim Jong Un, while missile ranges have considerably expanded. Kim conducted 24 missile tests in 2016 and 14 tests already in 2017.

Missile ranges

Apr. 9, 1984: North Korea first begins testing variants of Soviet Scud missiles.

Dec. 12, 2012: Kim Jong Un becomes ruler in the wake of his father's death.

July 28, 2017: North Korea fires its second intercontinental ballistic missile.

Failed missile tests

Only 2,100 miles southeast of North Korea, Guam is a strategic target because of its two American military bases Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam. There are 3,831 U.S. military personnel stationed there in addition to several B-1 bombers and fighter jets.

Andersen

US Air Force Base

Andersen

US Air Force Base

Andersen

US Air Force Base

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Anatomy of a Crisis: The North Korea threat - Politico