Alarming Reports Of Nuclear Activity Coming From North Korea

Recent evidence coming to light reveals that North Korea has restarted a nuclear reactor capable of producing weapons-grade plutonium.

According to the report released by the International Atomic Energy Agency on Friday, the reactor is located in the city of Yongbyon. In the past month, there have been “indications consistent with the operation” of the reactor. One important indicator of the reactor being restarted is the discharge of cooling water at the facility, according to the report.

Leif Eric Easley professor of international studies at Ewha Woman’s University in Seoul theorizes that North Koreans were not intending to be discreet in restarting the nuclear reactor and may be planning to use Yongbyon as a pawn in negotiations.

“But even if Pyongyang is considering returning to negotiations…it may lead off with a missile test rather than diplomatic engagement,” Easley said.

The Reuters’ report cites North Korea’s last nuclear test was in 2017, however, the United Nations no longer has access to the site since being expelled in 2009. The U.N. currently uses satellite images and other methods to monitor facilities in North Korea.

According to the report, there were indications of activity at Yongbyon’s radioactive laboratory from mid-February through July of this year.

“North Korea’s nuclear activities continue to be a cause for serious concern. Furthermore, the new indications of the operation of the 5-megawatt reactor and the radiochemical laboratory are deeply troubling,” the IAEA said.