Although the exact targets of a future North Korean attack in the United States are impossible to predict, there is no doubt that it could be a catastrophic disaster. Over the years, the hermit kingdom has developed an increasingly powerful arsenal of weapons and delivered a growing menace. Reliable intelligence reports have suggested that North Korean officials have compiled considerable lists of potential US targets, which range from military sites in the homeland to the homeland itself.
America’s best defense against a North Korean attack is vigilance and the threat of strong retaliation. US intelligence experts have concluded that the North Korean regime is unlikely to launch a massive attack against the continental US – at least without being provoked into it. But North Korea’s nuclear capabilities have drastically changed the strategic dynamics of the region, and any potential strike against US territory could have severe consequences.
So what exactly would the North Koreans be targeting if they were to launch an attack against the US, and how would they do it? Although all options are on the table, experts agree that the most likely scenario is a missile attack targeting the US homeland, particularly the West Coast. This would be an effective way of sending a message to the American people and would spread maximum destruction in a short amount of time.
North Korea has long threatened to attack US cities with nuclear weapons and could potentially launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at America. The US has already deployed multiple anti-missile defense systems along the West Coast, in a bid to protect against such an attack. However, the North Koreans could potentially deploy multiple ICBMs in order to overwhelm the US defense system.
North Korea is also believed to possess an arsenal of chemical and biological weapons, which could be delivered via long-range missiles or unmanned aerial vehicles. The US does have some defenses against such weapons but they may not be enough to fully protect against a North Korean attack. Experts warn that these weapons could be used to target major US cities, military bases and other facilities.
Another option open to North Korea is the use of cyber-attacks. Such an attack could potentially be used to shut down power grids and other vital infrastructure systems in the US. Cyber-attacks would also be difficult to defend against, as the North Koreans could use sophisticated malware and encryption algorithms to make their attacks difficult to detect.
In short, the vulnerability of the US to a North Korean attack is real and it should be a serious concern for American citizens. While the prospect of a catastrophic attack may seem out of the question, it is critical that the US remains prepared and vigilant.
What Could North Korea Gain from an Attack?
Given the destructive potential of the North Korean weapons arsenal and their willingness to use it, it is worth considering what the regime might have to gain from a military strike against the US. North Korea’s rational for launching a military attack could be for a variety of reasons, but the most obvious is to send a message to the US that it cannot ignore.
North Korea may also wish to gain attention from the international community. An attack on the US would be almost guaranteed to be met with strong retaliation, potentially leading the Kim Jong-un regime to even greater international isolation. Thus, the attacks might be seen as a means of forcing the US to negotiate with the North Koreans and potentially reach a deal that would be more favorable to the Kim regime.
Finally, a North Korean attack on the US could be motivated by a desire to show off their military capabilities. By attacking the most powerful country in the world, the North Koreans would be sending a message to the international community that they can no longer ignore the hermit kingdom.
It is important to note that these potential motives are speculative and it is impossible to know for sure what North Korea’s intent might be with an attack. Therefore, it is essential that the US remains vigilant and prepared for the possibility of a North Korean strike.
What Should the US do to Prepare for an Attack?
In order to prepare against a potential North Korean attack, the US must ensure that its anti-missile defenses are in top condition and that its intelligence services are as effective as possible in detecting and responding to North Korean threats. The US should also look to strengthen its diplomatic efforts to try and discourage the Kim regime from launching an attack on the US homeland.
The US should also take measures to strengthen its conventional military capabilities, in order to deter any North Korean aggression. The US has already deployed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and other missile defense systems, which can intercept incoming North Korean missiles and protect US soil from attack. However, the US should look to further strengthen these defenses and increase its foreign military presence in the region in order to send a message to the North Korean regime.
Ultimately, the US must be prepared for the very real possibility of a North Korean attack. Although it is impossible to know exactly where in the US the North Koreans might launch an attack, the US must be prepared and remain vigilant in order to protect itself from a devastating attack.
What Can Other Nations Do to Help Strengthen US Security?
Although the US is the primary target of a North Korean attack, other countries should also take measures to strengthen their own defenses. In particular, countries such as South Korea, Japan, and China should take steps to strengthen their own anti-missile defenses and take further measures to safeguard their own territories from potential North Korean aggression.
Furthermore, other countries should work together to deter the North Korean regime from carrying out an attack. Nations such as Japan, South Korea and China should work together to pressure the Kim regime to agree to diplomatic negotiations and refrain from taking any action that could be seen as provocative. These countries should also work with the US to ensure that the North Koreans abide by the existing international sanctions and cease their nuclear weapon program.
Finally, countries should ensure that their armed forces are as capable and prepared as possible in case of a North Korean attack. This could involve increased military training, better communication between nations, and increased intelligence sharing to ensure that all countries in the region are in a position to respond quickly and effectively to any North Korean aggression.
What Else Should Be Done to Improve US Security?
In addition to strengthening its own defenses and working together with other countries to deter North Korean aggression, there are other measures the US can take to protect itself from a potential attack. For instance, the US should work to strengthen economic ties with North Korea, in order to make it less appealing for the North Korean regime to launch an attack against the US. Additionally, the US should continue to work on diplomatic solutions that could lead to a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict with North Korea.
Finally, the US should look to strengthen its intelligence gathering capabilities in order to effectively track any potential North Korean aggression. Increasing the number of spies within North Korea would be an effective way of collecting useful information about the Kim regime and its plans. Additionally, the US should look to invest more in cyber security in order to better protect against potential North Korean cyber attacks.
What Can US Citizens Do to Protect Themselves?
Although the US government is doing its best to protect its citizens from a potential North Korean attack, there are still steps that US citizens can take to protect themselves from the possibility of a North Korean attack. Firstly, citizens should stay informed and aware of any North Korean threats, in order to better prepare themselves if an attack does occur.
Citizens should also look to strengthen their own security measures, such as installing alarms and having emergency evacuation plans. Additionally, citizens should look to invest in protective gear such as gas masks, emergency supplies and protective clothing to protect themselves in the event of an attack. Finally, citizens should not panic but remain vigilant and determined to protect themselves in case of a North Korean attack.
Conclusion
While the prospect of a North Korean attack on the US may seem remote, the US and its citizens should remain vigilant and prepared for the possibility of a devastating attack. The US should look to strengthen its own defenses, and work with other countries in the region to ensure that North Korea does not use its weapons arsenal against the US. US citizens should also remain informed and take measures to protect themselves in case of an attack.
