North Korea has built new uranium facility to expand nuclear arsenal, UN agency says
The International Atomic Energy Agency voices ‘serious concerns’ over expansion of Yongbyon facility to enrich uranium
TL;DR
- IAEA has expressed 'serious concern' over a new facility at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex capable of enriching weapons-grade uranium.
- The new building at Yongbyon can house up to 28 centrifuge cascades.
- North Korea has also expanded operations at an enrichment site in Kangson.
- Leader Kim Jong-un claimed North Korea's capacity to produce weapons-grade nuclear material has more than doubled in five years.
- A US analysis suggests the Yongbyon facility could yield enough enriched uranium for three or four additional warheads annually.
- IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that ongoing operations and further expansion are a cause for 'serious concern' and violate UN Security Council resolutions.
- South Korea estimates North Korea possesses between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads.
- North Korea has made rapid progress in its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, demanding international recognition as a nuclear state.