Examining North Korea’s growing nuclear arsenal and its ability to use it

This photo provided by the North Korean government shows what it says are Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missiles during a military parade Feb. 8 in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event. (Korean Central News Agency / Korea News Service via AP)

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea’s latest missile launches are a demonstration of the country’s avowed ability to use nuclear force against South Korea and the mainland United States.

North Korea says its nuclear forces are capable of destroying its rivals. But many foreign experts say the country’s claims are propaganda and suggest it isn’t yet capable of hitting the United States or its allies with a nuclear weapon.