USA ALERT: North Korea missile ‘could have struck WASHINGTON DC’ analysts warn (Source express.co.uk)

THE latest missile to have been fired by Kim Jong-un into the sea of Japan was powerful enough to reach Washington DC, scientists have claimed. Kim Jong-un carried out his latest missile test at 3am local time, striking fear across the region as he continues on a path that could trigger World War 3.

Now scientists have warned the test fire shows the hermit kingdom could strike the US at any time.

David Wright, senior scientist for the Union of Concerned Scientists, claimed the missile could be capable of reaching anywhere in the USA. He said: “Reports are saying that the missile test was highly lofted and landed in the Sea of Japan some 960 km (600 miles) from the launch site. “They are also saying the missile reached a maximum altitude of 4,500 km.

“This would mean that it flew for about 54 minutes, which is consistent with reports from Japan.

“If these numbers are correct, then if flown on a standard trajectory rather than this lofted trajectory, this missile would have a range of more than 13,000 km (8,100 miles).

“This is significantly longer than North Korea’s previous long range tests, which flew on lofted trajectories for 37 minutes (July 4) and 47 minutes (July 28). “Such a missile would have more than enough range to reach Washington, DC, and in fact any part of the continental United States.