I am writing about the blatantly false claims made by Steven Jennings in his letter about the situation in North Korea (Situation in North Korea affects general population, Oct. 20).

In his letter Mr. Jennings states, "If you have not heard, North Korea has tested a second nuclear warhead."

He then goes on to claim that this warhead has the ability to reach the U.S. mainland. Both of these statements are wildly inaccurate.

First of all, Pyongyang has not carried out a second nuclear test, at least not as of Friday.

Second of all, suggesting that North Korea has the ability to strike America with a nuke is preposterous.

The DPRK has conducted one test of the Taepodong-2 missile, the farthest reaching missile in their arsenal, and the only weapon capable of hitting the U.S. mainland.

The missile failed after 45 seconds. Furthermore, it isn't known whether or not the Taepodong-2, if functional, could even carry a nuclear payload.

Right now North Korea does not have the capability to strike the United States with a conventional missile, let alone a nuclear warhead.

Students should definitely take the necessary steps to keep abreast of the situation that is going on in the world today, and I trust that they are wise enough to gather information from more credible sources than Mr. Jennings.