North Korea fired what it described as an intermediate-range strategic missile Oct.3, and an expert warned that such a missile could put Guam and parts of Alaska within range, raising the stakes for the U.S.
and its allies as President Donald Trump seeks to revive diplomacy with Kim Jong Un.Kim personally oversaw the drill, North Korean state media claimed, while former U.S.Forces Korea analyst Sydney Seiler told Fox News Digital that its range means the latest test has implications extending far beyond the Korean Peninsula.According to Reuters, citing North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency, the missile was described as part of a "hypersonic strategic weapon system" and traveled about 1,000 kilometers, or 621 miles, away in waters off the country's east coast.Guam holds strategic military importance as a U.S.
territory in the western Pacific and hosts major military installations, including Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam.NORTH KOREA EXPERT WARNS US CAN 'NEVER TAKE THEIR EYE OFF' KIM JONG UN FOLLOWING MISSILE TEST DURING IRAN WARNorth Korea conducts an intermediate-range strategic missile drill.(North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency.
KCNA via REUTERS)"What is interesting about an IRBM launch — an intermediate-range ballistic missile that flies around 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers — is that it brings Guam, parts of Alaska, and Japan into range of North Korea," Seiler, a former National Intelligence Council officer focused on North Korea, said while cautioning against fully viewing the launch as a direct response to Trump."But when you consider the preparation required for an intermediate-range ballistic missile system, it is unlikely this was primarily a response to the president's comments or actions over the past few days," Seiler said.Hours after the Oct.3 missile launch, Trump had touted his relationship with Kim during a rally in Vandalia, Ohio."I get along great with Kim Jong Un.
Isn't it nice to get along with the leader...