North Korea has for the first time publicly revealed a uranium enrichment facility, a key component of its nuclear weapons program.
This display of its nuclear arsenal development is being seen as an attempt to put pressure on the U.S. ahead of the presidential elections.
Our Moon Hye-ryeon reports.
North Korea showed its uranium enrichment facility for the first time, as leader Kim Jong-un took a tour of the site and urged further nuclear weapon development.
Photos released by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on Friday showed Kim walking past rows of centrifuges, learning about the operation of its production lines.
Uranium needs to go through a process called “enrichment” to be developed into an effective nuclear fuel – spun in a centrifuge to separate its isotopes and concentrate the one that is needed.
The KCNA did not reveal when the visit occurred, or the location of the facility.
Kim reportedly expressed great satisfaction during his visit – saying he felt “strong” just looking at the technology on display – and praised the achievements of scientists, engineers, and the military in the nuclear weapons production sector.
Calling for an increase in the number of centrifuges, he pressed the need to strengthen Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities and outlined a long-term plan to do so.
South Korea and U.S. intelligence authorities believe that North Korea has uranium enrichment facilities in Yongbyon, North Pyongan Province, and in the Gangseon complex near Pyongyang.
In 2010, North Korea invited U.S. nuclear physicist Siegfried Hecker to a uranium enrichment facility at the Yongbyon nuclear facility.
In an interview last year, Hecker estimated that their total uranium production capacity is about 150 kilograms – roughly six bombs’ worth – per year.
North Korea’s surprise disclosure of the uranium enrichment facility is interpreted as an attempt to put pressure on future negotiations with the U.S. by showing off its nuclear armament ahead of the U.S. presidential election, which is about 50 days away.
Stepping up to put the spotlight on the regime’s fighting capabilities, Kim was reported to have visited the training facility of North Korea’s special operations forces to oversee a combat drill on Wednesday – according to a separate KCNA report.
He was said to have emphasized the importance of enhancing training content and methods, and the role of the special operations forces on the battlefield.
Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.
source : https://www.arirang.com/news/view?id=276050
