Americans are on high alert after Donald Trump’s threat that North Korea would be dealt “fire and fury like the world has never seen.”
Tensions between the United States and North Korea have persisted since 1945, but recently have escalated due to Trump’s threat after North Korea’s successful ballistic missile test which have the capabilities of reaching mainland United States.
North Korea has conducted two experiments with intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Along with ICBMs, North Korea has created other missiles capable of reaching mainland United States.
Along with missiles, North Korea also has nuclear capabilities. North Korea has overall conducted six nuclear tests, each in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2017, and two in 2016. With each nuclear test, the bombs have increased in power. Therefore, creating a progressively more serious threat if the tests continue.
Along with nuclear threats, North Korea further has an arsenal of chemical weapons capable of creating blister agents (mustard gas), nerve agents (sarin and VX), and causing choking (chlorine and phosgene).
The current situation is comparable to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 which nearly caused war between the Soviet Union and the United States. However, unlike the Cuban Missile Crisis, the current condition is stable, but can be reached to the point of war, if military action is enforced.
“Actions speak louder than words.” When either North Korea or United States take military action, such as moving troops to South Korea, the initiation of a war is expected.
According to government officials, both the United States and North Korea have interests to avoid the conflict. North Korea is interested in avoiding a conflict that will slow their process of development while the United States wants to avoid any potential risk, such as bombs and missiles, to populated areas within the U.S.
“Although the threat of North Korea is scary, I believe that the U.S. military will be able to keep our citizens safe,” said junior Ray Rader.