{"id":10628,"date":"2023-11-05T23:00:15","date_gmt":"2023-11-05T22:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/?p=10628"},"modified":"2023-11-05T23:00:15","modified_gmt":"2023-11-05T22:00:15","slug":"can-north-korea-hit-dc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northkoreainfo.com\/can-north-korea-hit-dc\/","title":{"rendered":"Can North Korea Hit Dc"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\tIn recent years, North Korea has been making headlines as one of the world’s most unpredictable countries. As tensions between the internationally isolated nation and its neighbors continue to rise, it’s natural to ask: Could North Korea hypothetically launch a missile at Washington DC, the capitol of the United States?\n

Background<\/h2>\n

In 2017, North Korea tested two test missiles with a theoretical range that could reach the US mainland. One of those tests was even pointed directly towards DC. This prompted a lot of apprehension. Experts noted that while the missile could reach the US, it didn’t necessarily mean that it could hit DC. That said, North Korea has long boasted that it is capable of sparking a nuclear war, and has even made claims it can launch missiles on a whim.
\nFurther complicating the issue is the fact that Washington DC is a heavily populated city, and most likely contains a number of anti-missile defense systems that could block any attack. There is also the fact that North Korea would likely face a significant response from the US if it did launch a strike.<\/p>\n

Likelihood of a Strike<\/h2>\n

The primary factor in determining whether North Korea could hypothetically launch a missile at DC depends on the sophistication of the missiles it currently possesses. According to experts, North Korea likely does not have the capability to launch a precision strike at DC with any current weapon it has.
\nThat said, North Korea is working to develop a more sophisticated nuclear weapon, and it is still a mystery how far their efforts and capabilities might go. It is possible, however, that they may find a way to launch a precise strike at DC.<\/p>\n

Potential Response<\/h2>\n

Due to the fact that DC is heavily populated and any attack on the city would result in massive casualties, experts believe that the response from the US would be swift and severe. It is likely that a retaliatory strike would be launched at North Korea if it did launch a missile towards the capitol.
\nAdditionally, other countries in the international community would likely join in any response. In the past, international cooperation has been key in trying to tamp down North Korea’s aggression, and a missile strike would likely get the attention of the world.<\/p>\n

Preparation<\/h2>\n

Given the very real possibility of a potential strike on DC, there has been a great push from local and state governments to ensure that Washington is as well prepared as possible for such an attack. From implementing effective anti-missile systems to having a plan for evacuation, authorities are doing their best to make sure that the DC area is prepared for any potential attack.
\nThe US federal government is also taking steps to better understand North Korea’s capabilities and to make sure that any response to an attack is as effective and comprehensive as possible.<\/p>\n

Military Technology<\/h2>\n