North Korea may resume ICBM and nuclear tests this year.
Key Takeaways:
- Commercial satellite imagery has shown construction at North Korea's nuclear testing site for the first time since it was closed in 2018, according to US-based analysts.
The US Directorate of National Intelligence (DNI) stated in its annual Worldwide Threat Assessment released on Monday that North Korea's missile launches could pave the way for a return to the intercontinental ballistic missile as well as nuclear bomb tests this year for the 1st time since 2017.
According to US-based analysts, commercial satellite imagery has shown construction at North Korea's nuclear testing site for the first time since it was closed in 2018.
International experts have also confirmed that North Korea's main nuclear reactor facility at Yongbyon appears to be operating normally, potentially producing more nuclear fuel.
According to the DNI report, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un remained powerfully committed to expanding his nuclear weapons arsenal and ballistic missile research and development, which was released ahead of a congressional hearing on Tuesday.
It claimed that North Korea's continued development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) demonstrated the country's desire to improve its nuclear delivery capability.
"North Korea began to lay the foundations for an increase in tensions in January, which could include an ICBM test or possibly a nuclear test this year - actions Pyongyang has not taken since 2017," according to the report.
"North Korea's effort to expand the number as well as the type of missile systems capable of delivering nuclear warheads to the whole United States," it added.
According to the DNI report, the assessment was based on information available as of Jan. 21.
Even as he deals with the crisis caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a return to ICBM or nuclear test results by North Korea would be a major headache for US President Joe Biden's administration.
Amid stalled denuclearization discussions, North Korea has hinted that it may resume nuclear or ICBM testing.
In January, it conducted a record number of missile tests, including the largest since 2017, and it appears to be getting ready to launch a spy satellite.
The United States and ten other countries expressed disappointment on Monday with the UN Security Council's failure to condemn North Korea's missile launches this year, claiming that the failure harmed the council's credibility as well as the global non-proliferation regime.