North Korea

Report: North Korea is Upgrading Their Nuclear Research Site

Written by SK Ashby

Look, we all suspected North Korea would never give up their nuclear weapons, but this is so brazen it's actually kind of funny.

Analysts and observers who've examined recent satellite imagery say the North has continued to upgrade their primary research facility while Trump has publicly claimed they've taken steps toward denuclearizing.

From the French press:

Recent satellite imagery showed that not only were operations continuing at present at the North's main Yongbyon nuclear site, it was also carrying out infrastructure works, said the respected 38 North website.

"Commercial satellite imagery from June 21 indicates that improvements to the infrastructure at... Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center are continuing at a rapid pace," it said.

It noted "continued operations" at the North's uranium enrichment plant and several new installations at the site -- including an engineering office and a driveway to a building housing a nuclear reactor.

You can view the full report and annotated satellite images designating new construction here.

What's not so funny about all of this is the possibility that Trump will continue to claim that North Korea is taking steps to disarm even if that's not remotely true.

Trump unilaterally withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal even though it was completely verified and enforced.