In a recent development, North Korea has ceased operations at its primary atomic complex, the Yongbyon nuclear reactor. Intelligence assessments by US and South Korean authorities reveal that this suspension, initiated in late September, may be aimed at extracting plutonium suitable for nuclear weapons through the reprocessing of spent fuel rods, according to an authoritative South Korean source.
The Yongbyon nuclear complex serves as North Korea’s primary source of plutonium, which has previously been used in the construction of nuclear weapons. It is worth noting that the nation has also maintained uranium enrichment facilities, further contributing to its nuclear capabilities.
A senior government official quoted by the Donga Ilbo newspaper hinted at the possibility of a nuclear test by North Korea, although details were not disclosed.
Both South Korea’s foreign ministry and defense ministry have refrained from immediate comment on this concerning development.
It is not unprecedented for North Korea to temporarily halt and subsequently restart reactor operations. Public confirmation regarding the exact purpose of such actions, whether maintenance or fuel extraction, typically remains elusive.
The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, previously expressed his commitment to increasing the production of nuclear warheads, advocating for an “exponential increase” in the country’s nuclear arsenal. Additionally, North Korea passed a new law authorizing the pre-emptive use of nuclear weapons, further raising concerns in the international community.
In April, North Korea claimed a successful test of a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), marking a significant advancement in its missile capabilities.
While North Korea officially declares itself a nuclear state, the number of nuclear weapons it possesses remains undisclosed. Independent estimates suggest that the nation may have as much as 70 kilograms of plutonium, sufficient for the potential production of 20 or more nuclear weapons.
Notably, North Korea has conducted six underground nuclear tests, raising concerns that it may be on the brink of another test as part of its efforts to develop miniaturized nuclear warheads.
By Reuters
