North Korea Unveils New Nuclear Warheads That Experts Say Could Reach US

On Tuesday, North Korea showcased new nuclear warheads that experts believe could be equipped on missiles capable of reaching the United States.

The images of the warheads, named “Hwasan-31s,” displayed by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), has alarmed military and nuclear experts, as they speculate that the sleeker and more compact design of these warheads could be mounted on intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking the US.

North Korea’s latest unveiling comes as tensions in the region continue to escalate, with the country threatening the US and South Korea with dire consequences. Earlier this month, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un’s sister warned that any interference with North Korea’s weapon tests would result in a “declaration of war.”

Reportedly, Kim visited a nuclear weapons institute on Monday, where he called for greater production of bomb fuel to quickly “exponentially” expand his arsenal. According to KCNA, these warheads serve the purpose of preparing for “war and nuclear disaster themselves,” rather than conflict with any specific country.

Last week, North Korea carried out a nuclear counterattack simulation against the US and South Korea, according to KCNA, to demonstrate its determination to respond in kind to any possible aggression from the two countries. The state news agency claimed that the drill was aimed at sending a stronger warning to Washington and Seoul, which had expanded their war drills with aggression.