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North Korea unveils photos of Uranium enrichment facility

Kim urges expansion of centrifuges at facility to bolster the country's nuclear weapons production for "self-defense."

News Desk September 13, 2024

This undated photo released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 13, 2024 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (front) inspecting the Nuclear Weapons Institute. PHOTO:AFP

For the first time, North Korea has unveiled images of its uranium enrichment facility, with leader Kim Jong Un seen touring the site.

State media reported on Friday that Kim urged the expansion of centrifuges at the facility to bolster the country's nuclear weapons production for "self-defense."

The disclosure, which included photos of rows of centrifuges, marked a significant development, as North Korea has previously kept details of its uranium enrichment capabilities secret.

PHOTO:CNN

Enriched uranium is essential for the creation of nuclear warheads.

Kim inspected the Nuclear Weapons Institute, learning about the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials. He emphasized the need to introduce new centrifuge technology to increase production capacity and set higher long-term goals for nuclear material output.

This rare public revelation comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and signals North Korea's intent to solidify its position as a nuclear-armed state.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects the Nuclear Weapons Institute and a weapons-grade nuclear material production facility, in these photos released by Rodong Sinmun on Sept. 13, 2024. PHOTO:News1

Analysts speculate that the move may be a strategic message to the US ahead of its presidential election, underscoring the difficulty of denuclearizing North Korea.

Despite ongoing UN sanctions, North Korea continues to develop its nuclear programs, relying in part on backing from China and Russia.

While experts believe this public display is unlikely to be followed by an immediate nuclear test, the international community remains concerned about Pyongyang’s growing nuclear capabilities.