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N. Korea builds an ICBM base at border with China

Posted March. 14, 2019 08:04,   

Updated March. 14, 2019 08:04

한국어

Evidence of North Korea dispersing nuclear and missile facilities to civilian facilities, and building an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) base on the North’s northern border area with China in preparation for the United States’ “decapitation attack” has been revealed.

The Sanctions Committee on North Korea under the UN Securities Council revealed on an Annual Report on Tuesday (local time) that “Nuclear and missile program of North Korea remain intact,” and presented relevant materials. This implies the possibility of North Korea developing and concealing nuclear weapons and missiles continuously despite discussions on denuclearization last year.

According to the report, a UN member state notified that North Korea has been constructing an ICBM base near the northern border area. The report disclosed a satellite picture of the missile base in Hoejong-ri, Yanggang Province that CNN pointed out as the ICBM base.

The report cited the member state saying “The 5 MW (e) reactor has been in operation in Yongbyon since December 2015” and indicated that “the reactor’s operation had been suspended from September and October last year and that a discharge of spent fuel rods could have taken place during those two months.” The Sanctions Committee also added that it is continuing its investigation on organization (companies) or individuals in Asia that secretly purchased the centrifuge for North Korea’s nuclear program.

Another member state also notified the Sanctions Committee in April 2018 that North Korea is repeatedly using civilian factories and non-military facilities as a strategy to prevent the possible “decapitation” attack on confirmed nuclear and missile assembly and manufacturing site. The assembly of ICBM Hwasong-15 at a truck factory in Pyongsong was provided as evidence. North Korea launched Hwasong-14 missile at the Banhyon aircraft manufacturing factory and Mupyong-ri, Jagangdo on July 4 and 28, 2017, respectively, and launched the Hwasong-12 missile at the Pyongyang International Airport on August 29 and September 15 the same year, respectively.

The U.S. Department of State made an unprecedented statement on the UN report and revealed that it welcomes the timely report that is helpful for the international society, which continuously keeps an eye on any violation of sanctions against North Korea and the U.S. takes such violation seriously.


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