North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has recently inspected a facility involved in the production of nuclear material, according to state media reports. This move comes as North Korea aims to strengthen its nuclear capabilities and increase pressure on the United States following the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
The official Korean Central News Agency revealed that Kim visited both the nuclear-material production base and the Nuclear Weapons Institute. Although the exact location of these facilities was not disclosed, images from Kim's visit suggest that he likely revisited a uranium-enrichment facility that was first revealed in September. This disclosure marked the first time North Korea had shown such a facility since 2010.
During his visit, Kim commended the scientists and workers for their achievements in nuclear weapons production. He emphasized the importance of surpassing the set targets for producing weapons-grade nuclear materials and strengthening the country's nuclear defenses.
North Korea recently conducted a test of a cruise missile system, marking its third known weapons demonstration this year. The country has also vowed a strong response to what it perceives as an escalation of military drills conducted by the United States and South Korea, which are aimed at North Korea.
