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Experts name Chicago and Los Angeles as key targets
The threat of nuclear war puts big cities at risk. On Jan. 18, 2026, security analysts released updated lists of the 15 most likely targets in the United States. Chicago and Los Angeles are near the top of these lists because they are population centers.
If a war starts, these cities could be hit to hurt the country’s economy and spirit. Chicago is a high-priority target due to its status as the third-largest city, with a population of 2,721,308.
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Los Angeles houses critical infrastructure for global trade
Los Angeles serves as a massive gateway for goods entering the United States from around the world. As of Jan. 17, 2026, reports show that the city remains a primary target because it controls vital ports and tech hubs.
Los Angeles has a city population of 3,878,704 and a metropolitan population of 12.9 million. If these ports stopped working, the entire U.S. supply chain would break down very quickly. For this reason, military experts classify the city as a target intended.
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Chicago stands as a vital transportation hub
Chicago is the most important link for moving goods across the United States. On Jan. 6, 2026, officials focused on safety reports regarding industrial sites in the Midwest…