Satellite images show expansion of uranium plant in North Korea

Recent satellite images have shown that North Korea is expanding a uranium enrichment plant at its main nuclear complex, Yongbyon., an indication of your intention to increase the production of pump materialsthe experts said.

The evaluation took place after Pyongyang to escalate tensions in recent days with first missile tests in six months in the face of the prolonged stalemate in nuclear diplomacy with the United States.

“The expansion of the uranium enrichment plant may indicate that North Korea is planning to increase its production of military-grade uranium by up to 25% at the Yongbyon complex.”Jeffrey Lewis and two other experts from the Middlebury Institute for International Studies in Monterey said in a report.

According to the report, satellite images taken by Max spectacle works in an area adjacent to the Yongbyon uranium enrichment plant.

A September 1 image showed North Korea cut down trees and prepare the ground for building, and in it appeared a bulldozer, he added. In a second photograph, taken on September 14, there is a raised wall to close off the area, foundation work and panels removed from one side of the enrichment building to allow access to the new area, the report explained.

“The new area is approximately 1,000 square kilometers, enough space to house an additional 1,000 centrifuges,” indicated the note. “The incorporation of 1,000 centrifuges would increase by 25% of its capacity to produce highly enriched uranium“He added.

Nuclear weapons can be made with both highly enriched uranium and plutonium, and Pyongyang has centers to produce both in Yongbyon. Last month, previous satellite images of the complex showed indications that North Korea was resumption of operations in other factories to produce military-grade plutonium.

The regime describes the Yongbyon complex as “the heart” of its nuclear program. During a summit with former US President Donald Trump in early 2019, the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un offered to dismantle all facilities in exchange for significant sanctions relief. Washington rejected the offer as a limited step towards denuclearization.

Some experts from the United States and South Korea believe that the North secretly manages many other uranium enrichment plants.

Estimates of how many nuclear weapons the secret country can manufacture each year vary widely, ranging from six to 18 push-ups.

Last week, North Korea launched cruise and ballistic missiles into the sea in tests seen as an effort to diversify its arsenal and strengthen its attack capability on its southern neighbor and Japan, where a total of 80,000 US troops are stationed. According to experts, both types of projectiles could incorporate nuclear warheads.

The United States said on Wednesday that North Korea had violated UN Security Council resolutions. when firing ballistic missiles into the sea but he reiterated his willingness to dialogue with Pyongyang.

“The United States condemns the DPRK missile launch. The launch violates several UN Security Council resolutions and poses a threat to its neighbors and other members of the international community. “a State Department spokesman said, referring to North Korea whose official name is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

(With AP information)

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