Parts of the US are at a heightened risk of as conflicts rage around the .
In a new map, the areas most likely to be targeted in the event of a on US soil have been set out. The areas that would likely be hit first would be in the East and along the coast of California. The map shows that Montana and North Dakota would be key targets due to containing several and launch sites.
Meanwhile, western states like Colorado, Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming could also become targets due to having active nuclear power plants. There are 90 of them across the US in total, including Alabama, Arizona and Maryland. Areas such as rural Idaho, Maine, Northern California, and Oregon might be safer. The US has strategically placed its nuclear forces in sparsely populated areas to minimise damage in the event of an attack, reports the
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The US is home to various key sites, including intercontinental ballistic missile silos, military bases, and nuclear storage facilities. Operational nuclear reactors in states such as Alabama and Tennessee, as well as missile depots and nuclear stockpiles, are allegedly at risk. According to reports, a map of potential targets was initially published by CBS in 2015, citing sources such as FEMA, Medicine and Global Survival, and the National Resources Defense Council.
However, FEMA has denied any involvement in creating the map, stating: "FEMA does not, and has not, released any type of formal map of potential nuclear targets. However, FEMA provides information to the public to help them prepare for a potential hazardous or radiological event through Ready.gov."
Major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are often considered prime targets due to their economic and population significance. Other cities, such as Dallas and Philadelphia, may also be vulnerable. Conversely, areas like Idaho and Maine appear to be at lower risk amidst rising global tensions.
Recently, the US accused of breaching nuclear arms agreements, which Russia vehemently denied, instead accusing the US of violations. Before 2022 concluded, Putin ominously hinted he might resort to nuclear arms beyond Ukraine's borders, lashing out at the West for so-called "nuclear blackmail".
"To defend Russia and our people, we doubtlessly will use all weapons resources at our disposal," he declared with determination, adding clearly, "This is not a bluff." Last December, Putin somewhat shockingly indicated potential shifts in Russia's nuclear stance, seeming to veer away from the 'no first use' commitment.
"They have it in their strategy, in the documents it is spelt out - a preventive blow. We don't. We, on the other hand, have formulated a retaliatory strike in our strategy," remarked Putin during a press event, highlighting the contrast in military approaches between the US and Russia, according to a CNN briefing.
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