I don't think the threats are credible. I don't see what NK would gain from "nuking Guam," besides the end of their country.
It's just posturing, and "putting Nuclear Bombers on 24-hour alert" is also just posturing.
It's just posturing, and "putting Nuclear Bombers on 24-hour alert" is also just posturing.
It also raises the risk of unintentional nuclear exchange.
The world has come close to nuclear war multiple times as a result of miscommunication, equipment failure, or accident.
The more nukes world leaders are waving about, the greater the risks.
> It's just posturing, and "putting Nuclear Bombers on 24-hour alert" is also just posturing.
That's exactly my point: there's nothing one-sided about this. DPRK is playing their hand, the U.S. must play theirs.
Or, as the far stronger side, the US could de-escalate. Not only is this the less-risky option, but it would also garner global respect/admiration for the US - something that has been in short supply for a long time.
Guam appears to be an internet hub for a few relatively important lines.
"The SEA-US cable system will link the five areas and territories of Manado in Indonesia, Davao in Southern Philippines; Piti in the territory of Guam; as well as Honolulu (on the island of Oahu), Hawaii; and Los Angeles, California in the continental U.S." [1]
[1] https://www.submarinenetworks.com/systems/trans-pacific/sea-...
Here's the global map: