Nuclear war is a fear-inducing scenario that many hope will remain unrealized. However, in the eventuality of such a grim situation, it’s crucial to consider which US cities might be targeted by an enemy’s nuclear weapons and why one of them is located in Arizona.
Main Targets: Infrastructure and Military Sites
According to experts, the likely targets for a nuclear attack are not necessarily the most populous cities, but rather those housing vital infrastructure and military sites crucial for the nation’s functioning.
These targets encompass financial centers, government agencies, energy plants, missile silos, and nuclear submarines. Cities such as New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, with their concentrations of economic, political, and cultural influence, are considered high-risk due to their strategic locations and large populations.
The Surprising Target: Phoenix, Arizona
A city that might not immediately come to mind but is a potential target is Phoenix, Arizona. This is because Phoenix serves as the capital and largest city in a state hosting several military bases, including Luke Air Force Base, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Fort Huachuca, and the Yuma Proving Ground. These bases house critical units, missions, and, notably, store or transport nuclear weapons and materials, making them attractive targets for adversaries.
Phoenix is also a significant hub for the power grid, water supply, and transportation network of the Southwest. With power plants, dams, reservoirs, and pipelines supplying electricity and water to millions across Arizona and neighboring states, an attack on Phoenix would severely damage or disrupt critical infrastructures affecting a broader region, including California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.
Safest Areas: Rural and Remote Locations
Conversely, areas least likely to be targeted are rural and remote locations with minimal strategic value or population density. Places like Idaho, Maine, Northern California, and Oregon, devoid of major military bases, nuclear plants, or large cities, are less vulnerable to attacks. Being far from coasts or borders adds an extra layer of security against surprise attacks or invasions.
However, residing in a safe area offers no guarantee of survival in a nuclear war. The size, number, and location of nuclear explosions can lead to widespread effects such as radiation, fallout, firestorms, and climate change, affecting the entire country and beyond. Thus, the primary focus should be on preventing a nuclear war through diplomacy, disarmament, and peace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a nuclear war represents a catastrophic event that jeopardizes millions of lives and the future of humanity. Cities at higher risk include New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, DC, and Phoenix, due to their crucial infrastructure and military significance. Conversely, areas less likely to be attacked include Idaho, Maine, Northern California, and Oregon. Nevertheless, no place is entirely safe from the consequences of a nuclear war, emphasizing the collective responsibility to work towards prevention.