North Korea Claims It Has Developed Tactical Nuclear Weapons

Kim Jong Un with what North Korean state media says are tactical nuclear weapons 

 BBC: North Korea asserts first evidence of tactical nuclear weapons 

North Korea has revealed small nuclear warheads, which it says can be fitted on to short-range missiles. 

The North has long claimed it has tactical nuclear weapons, capable of hitting targets in South Korea. 

But the photos published in its state newspaper on Tuesday are the first time it has provided evidence. 

However, it is impossible to verify whether they are the real deal. Until North Korea tests one of these devices, we are left guessing. 

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Update #1: North Korea unveils new nuclear warheads as US air carrier arrives in South -- Reuters  

Update #2: North Korea unveils smaller nuclear warheads that may fit on variety of missiles -- Japan Times  

WNU Editor: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has also called for the production of more weapons-grade nuclear materials .... North Korean Leader Calls for More Weapons-Grade Nuclear Materials (VOA).

North Korea Claims To Have Tested A New Underwater Nuclear Drone

 

CBS News: North Korea, irate over U.S.-South Korea war games, claims to test sea drone capable of unleashing "radioactive tsunami" 

North Korea claimed Friday to have tested an underwater attack drone capable of unleashing a "super-scale radioactive tsunami" if armed with a nuclear warhead. 

The brazen claim — which many experts doubt — was part of the Kim Jong Un regime's angry response to the latest joint war games by the U.S. and South Korean militaries. 

The North released pictures of Kim admiring what the country's official news service said was the new underwater drone, and others purportedly showing it at sea, along with an underwater explosion. 

The regime claimed the weapon cruised underwater for almost 60 hours before blowing up.  

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North Korea Claims To Have Tested A New Underwater Nuclear Drone 

N Korea says it simulated nuke attacks with drone, missiles -- AP 

North Korea says it tested new 'nuclear underwater attack drone' -- France 24  

Kim Jong Un oversees launch of nuclear-capable underwater drone - state media -- BBC 

North Korea claims to have tested 'radioactive tsunami' underwater drone weapon at sea -- ABC News Australia  

North Korea tests underwater nuclear drone -- DW  

Kim Jong Un Tests Undersea Drone, Warns of 'Radioactive Tsunami' -- Bloomberg  

North Korea claims drone can unleash 'super-scale radioactive tsunami' -- Business Insider  

North Korea Claims Test of 'Nuclear Attack Drone' -- VOA

US Intelligence Reports Says North Korea "Probably" Will Carry Out New Nuclear Test

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un oversees a missile launch at an undisclosed location in North Korea, in this undated photo released on October 10, 2022 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). (File photo: Reuters)  

Yonhap News Agency: N. Korea likely to conduct nuclear test amid continued missile testing: U.S. report 

WASHINGTON, March 8 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is expected to conduct a nuclear test as it continues to develop its missile capabilities in an attempt to drive a wedge between the United States and South Korea, a U.S. intelligence report said Wednesday. 

The 2023 Annual Threat Assessment also noted that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may have no intention to give up his nuclear weapons. 

"Kim almost certainly views nuclear weapons and ICBMs as the ultimate guarantor of his autocratic rule and has no intention of abandoning those programs, believing that over time he will gain international acceptance as a nuclear power," said the report, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.  

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Update #1: North Korea "Probably" Will Carry Out New Nuclear Test: US (AFP)  

Update #2: North Korea could carry out nuclear tests 'any time', warns US official (BBC) 

WNU editor: Tensions are raising .... Kim Jong Un calls for intensified drills to simulate ‘real war’ (Al Jazeera).

Kim Jong Un Orders An 'Exponential' Expansion Of North Korea's Nuclear Arsenal

This photo fromThursday shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (second from right) presenting ways to enhance suborganizations of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea during the third-day session of the party's plenary meeting. (KCNA)  

Reuters: North Korea's Kim orders new ICBM, bigger nuclear arsenal amid tension 

SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for developing new intercontinental ballistic missiles and a larger nuclear arsenal to counter U.S.-led threats, state media said on Sunday, amid flaring tension between the rival Koreas. 

At a meeting of the ruling Workers' Party, Kim highlighted the need to secure "overwhelming military power" to defend its sovereignty and security. 

The meeting came amid cross-border tensions over last week's intrusion by North Korean drones into the South, and the North's series of missile launches, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). 

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WNU Editor: It looks like like there is going to be a North Korean nuclear test in 2023.

 Kim Jong Un Orders An 'Exponential' Expansion Of North Korea's Nuclear Arsenal  

NKorea's Kim orders 'exponential' expansion of nuke arsenal -- AP 

Kim calls for 'exponential increase' of N. Korea's nuclear arsenal -- AFP  

Kim Jong Un Pledges Nuclear Buildup to Take On US, South Korea -- Bloomberg  

Kim seeks "exponential increase" of North Korea's nuclear arsenal -- Kyodo News

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Says His Country's Ultimate Goal Is To Be The World's Most Powerful Nuclear Force

Kim Jong Un and his daughter at the test-fire of the country's Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile.(Reuters: KCNA)  

ABC News Australia: Kim Jong Un calls North Korea's new nuclear missiles the 'world's strongest strategic weapon' 

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says his country's ultimate goal is to possess the world's most powerful nuclear force at the launch of his country's largest ballistic missile. 

The announcement comes after Mr Kim inspected a test of the country's new Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and pledged to counter US nuclear threats with nuclear weapons. 

He said building the nuclear force was for reliably protecting the dignity and sovereignty of the state and its people.  

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North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Says His Country's Ultimate Goal Is To Be The World's Most Powerful Nuclear Force  

North Korea plans ‘world’s most powerful’ nuclear force, Kim Jong Un says -- CNN  

North Korea's Kim aiming for 'strongest nuclear force' -- Reuters  

Kim Jong-un daughter inspects another ICBM as leader hails North Korea’s nuclear power -- The Guardian  

N Korea aims to have ‘world’s strongest’ nuclear force, Kim says -- Al Jazeera  

Kim Jong Un extols North Korea’s nuclear program in another public inspection of intercontinental missile -- News 360

South Korea Says North Korea Has Finished Preparations For A Nuclear Test

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un oversees drills conducted by the tactical nuclear weapons units of the Korean People's Army from September 25 to October 9. © Korean Central News Agency 

Bloomberg: North Korea Has Finished Prep for Nuclear Test, South Korea Says 

North Korea has finished preparations for a nuclear test, South Korea’s president told parliament, stoking concerns that Pyongyang’s first blast of an atomic device in five years could be imminent. 

“We assess that it has already completed preparations for a seventh nuclear test,” Yoon Suk Yeol said Tuesday, adding Kim Jong Un’s regime has defended the preemptive use of nuclear weapons. 

The US, South Korea and Japan have all pledged stern and united punishment for a nuclear test, which would be in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. 

John Kirby, a spokesman for President Joe Biden’s National Security Council, told reporters in Washington the US believes that North Korea “could conduct a nuclear test at any time.”  

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South Korea Says North Korea Has Finished Preparations For A Nuclear Test  

S.Korea: Pyongyang has finished prep for nuclear test -- Reuters 

Experts: North Korea's Expected Nuclear Missile Test Likely to Involve Miniature Warheads -- VOA  

North Korea Completes Prep For Nuclear Test, South Korea Warns -- Zero Hedge  

North Korea Is Primed for a Nuclear Test This Month -- National Interest 

US warns North Korea «likely» to conduct nuclear weapons test -- News 360  

Eyeing Possible North Korea Nuke Test, U.S. Steps Up Intel Gathering on Kim -- Newsweek

US Envoy Warns North Korea Could Hold Nuclear Test Next Week

Satellite imagery shows recent activity at North Korea's Punggye-ri nuclear test site, indicating that Pyongyang may be preparing to detonate its seventh nuclear weapon, a report from One Nuclear Network said. Photo by Google Earth/Open Nuclear Network 

The Guardian/AFP: North Korea could hold nuclear test next week, US envoy warns 

US says Pyongyang may escalate recent provocations with a weapons test on 110th anniversary of founder Kim Il-sung’s birth North Korea could be planning its first nuclear weapon test in nearly five years, according to a senior US official who urged the regime to step back from further provocations following its recent long-range missile test. 

Sung Kim, the special representative for North Korea policy at the US state department, said Washington believes Pyongyang could demonstrate its growing nuclear weapons capacity on 15 April, an annual holiday held to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the birth of the country’s founder, Kim Il-sung.  

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US Envoy Warns North Korea Could Hold Nuclear Test Next Week  

North Korea nuke test possible in connection with April 15 anniv.: U.S. -- Kyodo News  

Sohae Satellite Launch Station: Activity Gradually Picks Up -- 38 North  

North Korea could test nuclear device next week, US envoy warns -- ABC News  

New activity suggests North Korea nuclear test likely in 'near future,' report says -- UPI

Concerns Grow That North Korea Is Preparing To Conduct A Nuclear Test

Recent satellite imagery analysis conducted by nonproliferation expert Katsuhisa Furukawa shows North Korea is in the process of reactivating some parts of its mountainous nuclear weapons test site in Punggye-ri, North Hamgyong Province. [MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES]  

FOX News: North Korea making preparations for possible nuclear test: defense officials 

The news comes days after North Korea's latest weapons test North Korea may be preparing for nuclear tests, as U.S. spy satellites have detected new tunnels being dug in the country, at a location where such tests have been conducted in the past, two U.S. defense officials told Fox News. 

The officials said the digging indicates that another nuclear test will take place. North Korea has conducted six nuclear weapons tests in the past. 

According to the defense officials, intelligence analysts discovered excavation equipment active in Kilju, located in the Hamgyong province, at a site where a nuclear weapons test had most recently been conducted in September 2017. 

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Concerns Grow That North Korea Is Preparing To Conduct A Nuclear Test  

N.Korea may be preparing new nuclear tests to improve arsenal, U.S. and allies say -- Reuters  

Concern grows that North Korea is preparing for first underground nuclear test in years -- Reuters  

Satellite imagery shows ‘visible’ signs of North Korea reactivating nuclear test site -- Asian News Network

New activity suggests North Korea nuclear test likely in 'near future,' report says -- UPI

UN Watchdog Says North Korea Has Restarted Key Nuclear Reactor

 

Daily Mail: North Korea 'restarts its plutonium-producing nuclear reactor' in sign it could be expanding banned nuke program despite offering to dismantle part of facility in deal with Trump 

* The reactor in North Korea's YongByon complex is the only in the country known to be capable of producing weapons-grade plutonium 

* The facility is believed to have been dormant since 2018 

* It was the subject of talks between North Korea and the Trump administration in 2019, when Kim Jong Un offered to dismantle part of the facility 

* In return, Kim requested sanctions relief. His offer was rejected 

* The International Atomic Energy Agency - a UN watchdog - called the development, 'deeply troubling' 

* It's a possible sign Pyongyang is expanding its banned weapons program 

North Korea appears to have restarted its plutonium-producing reprocessing reactor, a possible sign Pyongyang is expanding its banned weapons program.

In a report dated Friday, the International Atomic Energy Agency - a UN watchdog - called the development, 'deeply troubling.' 

The 5-megawatt reactor in YongByon - North Korea's main nuclear complex - is believed to have been inactive since 2018, and its reactivation comes with nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington at a standstill.  

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More News On The UN's Watchdog Saying North Korea Has Restarted Key Nuclear Reactor  

Yongbyon nuclear reactor appears to be in operation: IAEA report -- Korea Herald  

IAEA: N Korea appears to have resumed nuke reactor operation -- AP  

North Korea has restarted a key reactor, nuclear watchdog warns -- NBC  

North Korean nuclear reactor used for plutonium production appears active, IAEA says -- CNN  

North Korea appears to have restarted key nuclear reactor: UN watchdog -- FOX News

In 'deeply troubling' move, North Korea appears to have restarted plutonium-producing reactor -- The Week  

UN watchdog: North Korea has restarted key nuclear reactor -- Axios

U.S. Intelligence Says North Korea May Resume Nuclear And Long-Range Missile Testing This Year

 

 AFP: US intel report says North Korea could resume nuclear tests this year 

North Korea could resume nuclear tests this year as a way to force President Joe Biden's administration to enter into dialogue, US intelligence experts said in a report released Tuesday.

"North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may take a number of aggressive and potentially destabilizing actions to reshape the regional security environment and drive wedges between the United States and its allies -- up to and including the resumption of nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) testing," said the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in a report addressing threats the US faces around the world.  

Read more .... 

More News On North Korea's Nuclear And Missile Program  

N. Korea may be considering resumption of nuclear testing this year: US report -- Korea Herald 

Why Kim Is Smirking: North Korea Might Start Nuclear Weapons Testing -- National Interest  

Report: North Korea may have almost 250 nuclear weapons by 2027 -- UPI  

North Korea may amass almost 250 nuclear weapons by 2027: report -- NYPost  

North Korea Could Potentially Have Up To 242 Nuclear Weapons, Dozens Of ICBMs By 2027, Report Claims -- Sputnik  

North Korea: What we know about its missile and nuclear programme -- BBC

New Satellite Imagery Reveals North Korea Has Taken Steps To Conceal A Facility That US Intelligence Believes Is Being Used To Store Nuclear Weapons

 

CNN: New satellite images reveal North Korea took recent steps to conceal nuclear weapons site 

Washington (CNN)New satellite imagery obtained by CNN reveals North Korea has recently taken steps to conceal a facility US intelligence agencies believe is being used to store nuclear weapons, a move that could add to the growing sense of urgency from critics who argue the Biden administration needs to articulate a clear strategy on how it will deal with Kim Jong Un going forward. 

The image, captured by Maxar on February 11 and analyzed by experts at the Middlebury Institute, shows North Korea built new structures at its Yongdoktong site over the course of 2020 -- an effort researchers say is likely intended to obscure a pair of underground tunnel entrances that lead to the facility where nuclear weapons are stored. 

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Update #1: IAEA says N Korea nuclear programme cause for ‘serious concern’ (Al Jazeera) 

Update #2: North Korea Conceals Suspected Nuclear Warehouse, Alleged Satellite Photos Suggest (Sputnik) 

WNU Editor: North Korea has to put its nuclear weapons somewhere. It looks like where they are being put is now known.

UN Report Says North Korea Is Using Cyber Attacks To Steal Money For Its Nuclear Program

 

CNN: North Korean hackers stole more than $300 million to pay for nuclear weapons, says confidential UN report 

New York (CNN)North Korea's army of hackers stole hundreds of millions of dollars throughout much of 2020 to fund the country's nuclear and ballistic missile programs in violation of international law, according to a confidential United Nations report. 

The document accused the regime of leader Kim Jong Un of conducting "operations against financial institutions and virtual currency exchange houses" to pay for weapons and keep North Korea's struggling economy afloat. 

One unnamed country that is a member of the UN claimed the hackers stole virtual assets worth $316.4 million dollars between 2019 and November 2020, according to the document. 

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WNU Editor: The UN report is also warning about this .... Iran and North Korea continue missile cooperation, UN warns (YNet News). More here .... Iran, N. Korea resumed missile collaboration in 2020: UN report (France 24). 

 More News On A UN Report Saying North Korea Is Using Cyber Attacks To Steal Money For Its Nuclear Program 

UN experts: North Korea using cyber attacks to update nukes -- AP 

Cyberattacks helping North Korea fund nuclear weapons and missiles, UN panel says -- The Hill 

North Korean hackers stole $316M to improve nukes, ballistic missiles, UN experts say -- FOX News North Korea developed nuclear and ballistic missiles through 2020, violating sanctions — UN -- DW North Korea upgraded nuclear missile programme in 2020, says UN diplomat -- The Guardian/Reuters North Korea’s theft of $300m isn’t a sign of desperation, but an indication it’ll do whatever it takes to have nuclear weapons -- RT

US Think Tank Believes North Korea Nuclear Complex May Have Been Damaged By Recent Flooding

Reuters: North Korea nuclear reactor site threatened by recent flooding, U.S. think-tank says

SEOUL (Reuters) - Satellite imagery suggests recent flooding in North Korea may have damaged pump houses connected to the country’s main nuclear facility, a U.S.-based think-tank said on Thursday.

Analysts at 38 North, a website that monitors North Korea, said commercial satellite imagery from August 6-11 showed how vulnerable the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center’s nuclear reactor cooling systems are to extreme weather events.

The Korean peninsula has been hammered by one of the longest rainy spells in recent history, with floods and landslides causing damage and deaths in both North and South Korea.

Located on the bank of the Kuryong River about 100 km (60 miles) north of North Korea’s capital, Pyongyang, Yongbyon is home to nuclear reactors, fuel re-processing plants and uranium enrichment facilities that are thought to be used in the country’s nuclear weapons programme.

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More News On Reports That North Korea's Nuclear Complex May Have Been Damaged By Recent Flooding

Significant flooding in NK may have damaged Yongbyon nuclear complex: 38 North -- Korea Herald
Facilities at N.K. nuclear complex may be damaged by flood: U.S. think tank -- Yonhap News Agency
North Korea nuclear complex may have been damaged by recent flooding, US think tank says -- FOX News
Flooding in North Korea threatens Yongbyon nuclear reactor: Study -- Al Jazeera
Photos: Rain-Swollen River Swallows Shore Facilities at North Korea’s Primary Nuclear Reactor -- Sputnik

UN Report Says North Korea Has 'Probably' Developed Nuclear Devices To Fit Ballistic Missiles

Reuters: North Korea has 'probably' developed nuclear devices to fit ballistic missiles, U.N. report says

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - North Korea is pressing on with its nuclear weapons program and several countries believe it has “probably developed miniaturized nuclear devices to fit into the warheads of its ballistic missiles,” according to a confidential U.N. report.

The report by an independent panel of experts monitoring U.N. sanctions said the countries, which it did not identify, believed North Korea’s past six nuclear tests had likely helped it develop miniaturized nuclear devices. Pyongyang has not conducted a nuclear test since September 2017.

The interim report, seen by Reuters, was submitted to the 15-member U.N. Security Council North Korea sanctions committee on Monday.

“The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is continuing its nuclear program, including the production of highly enriched uranium and construction of an experimental light water reactor. A Member State assessed that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is continuing production of nuclear weapons,” the report said.

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More News On The UN Report Saying That North Korea Has 'Probably' Developed Nuclear Devices To Fit Ballistic Missiles

North Korea has 'probably' developed nuclear devices to fit ballistic missiles – UN -- The Guardian
North Korea has 'probably' developed nuclear devices to fit ballistic missiles, says United Nations report -- ABC News Online
North Korea has 'probably' developed mini nuclear devices to fit missile warheads, says UN report -- SKY News
UN Report Claims DPRK ‘Probably’ Developed Miniature Nuclear Devices for Ballistic Missiles -- Sputnik
UN report warns against N Korea's 'miniaturised' nuclear devices -- Al Jazeera

North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un Says Nuclear Weapons Will Prevent War

Korea Herald: NK leader says nuclear deterrence will guarantee national safety permanently

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said the country's nuclear deterrence will permanently guarantee national security, as he marked the anniversary of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War, state media reported Tuesday.

Kim made the remark during a speech at a national conference of veterans held Monday to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the end of the three-year conflict, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

The Korean War ended in an armistice signed on July 27, 1953, which leaves South and North Korea technically in a state of war.

The North calls the war the Fatherland Liberation War and designated the armistice signing date as Victory Day.

Read more ....

More News On North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un Saying Nuclear Weapons Will Prevent War

N Korea’s Kim boasts of his nukes amid stalled talks with US -- AP
North Korea's Kim Says No More War Thanks to Nuclear Weapons -- VOA/Reuters
Kim Jong Un reportedly says his nuclear weapons guarantee there will be no more war -- NYPost
Kim Jong Un says there will be 'no more war on this earth' thanks to North Korea's nuclear weapons -- CNN
Kim: North Korea's nuclear weapons will prevent war -- The Hill
Kim Jong-un Boasts of 'Reliable, Effective' Nuclear 'Deterrent' Aimed at Preventing War on Peninsula -- Sputnik

New Satellite Imagery Shows Activity At A North Korea Nuclear Facility Suspected Of Building Nuclear Warheads

CNN: New satellite imagery shows activity at suspected North Korean nuclear facility

Washington (CNN)New satellite images obtained by CNN show recent activity at a previously undeclared North Korean facility that researchers suspect is being used to build nuclear warheads.

The imagery, captured by Planet Labs and analyzed by experts at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, indicates that the facility, which is in the village of Wollo-ri near the country's capital city of Pyongyang and has not been previously disclosed to the public, is believed to be linked to North Korea's nuclear program and remains active.

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Update #1: Satellite images show N.K. facility possibly linked to nuclear program: CNN (Yonhap News Agency)
Update #2: Fears North Korea is ramping up nuke activity as never before seen factory is spotted in chilling satellite pics (The Sun)

WNU Editor: Can't tell much from these activities. There is always activity at these sites.

Experts Say North Korea Has Put Its Nuclear Weapons On A High Alert Operation

FILE PHOTO: North Korea test fires a new weapon, in this undated photo released on August 11, 2019 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). KCNA via REUTERS/File Photo

The Dong-A Ilbo: N. Korea’s nuclear weapons are immediately launchable, experts say

It was confirmed that North Korea had described plans to “put strategic armed forces on a high alert operation” unveiling the outcome of its fourth expanded meeting of the Workers’ Party’s 7th Central Military Commission in an English version. This clarifies the country’s intention to stress its preparedness to launch nuclear missiles, increasing the level of warning to the U.S.

The English version of the Rodong Sinmun reported on Sunday that a new principle of “putting the strategic armed forces on a high alert operation” had been suggested at the meeting. The expression‎, which literally means “a high level of turbulence” in Korean, is more articulate in English, signaling a clear message to the U.S. Some experts say that the expression‎ is similar to the concept of “LOW- Launch on Warning,” which is adopted by nuclear powers such as the US and Russia.

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WNU Editor: The problem is that no one really knows what is happening in North Korea.

North Korea Could Possess As Many As 100 Nuclear Warheads By Next Year

National Interest: North Korea Could Have 100 Nuclear Warheads (And Soon)

What can America do?

Key point: President Trump's denuclearization effort is not going well.

By 2020 North Korea could possess as many as 100 nuclear warheads.

That's the startling conclusion of a January 2019 report from RAND, a California think tank with close ties to the U.S. military.

"North Korean provocations and threats have created an unstable environment on the Korean Peninsula," RAND's report explains. "North Korea’s ongoing development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles increases the possibility of their use against regional states, furthering instability across the region and beyond, thus affecting vital U.S. interests."

To deliver its nukes, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, as the regime in Pyongyang calls itself, is building up a large stockpile of rockets of varying ranges.

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WNU Editor: There is a U.S. plan to destroy the North Korean regime if the worse case scenario happens .... Meet OPLAN 5015: America's Plan Of Last Resort To Destroy North Korea (National Interest).

Japanese Media: North Korea Has Miniaturized Nuclear Warheads

Kim Jong-un announced a suspension of all nuclear and missile tests last month [File: KCNA/Reuters]

Reuters: Japanese report to say North Korea has miniaturized nuclear warheads: newspaper

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan will upgrade its estimate of North Korea’s nuclear weapons capability in an upcoming annual defense report, saying it seems Pyongyang has already achieved the miniaturization of warheads, the Yomiuri newspaper said in an unsourced report on Wednesday.

That compares with the assessment in last year’s report in which the government said it was possible North Korea had achieved miniaturization, the Japanese daily said without citing sources.

The government is planning to approve the report at a Cabinet meeting in mid-September. The report will maintain the assessment that North Korea’s military activities pose a “serious and imminent threat”, the Yomiuri said.

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Update: North Korea Has Achieved Nuclear Warheads, Japan Claims (Zero Hedge)

WNU Editor: Reports of North Korea miniaturizing its nuclear warheads is nothing new. But I would not be surprised if they are working on it.

U.S. Defense Intelligence Director: North Korea Not Ready To Denuclearize

Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley, Director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency

Reuters: North Korea's Kim not ready to denuclearize: U.S. intelligence agency chief

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. intelligence community does not believe North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is ready to denuclearize, U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lieutenant General Robert Ashley told Fox News in an interview on Monday.

A summit in February between Kim and President Donald Trump collapsed when the two leaders were unable to bridge differences between U.S. demands for denuclearization and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

“We still continue to assess within the IC (intelligence community) that Kim Jong Un is not ready to denuclearize,” Ashley said.

Trump will visit South Korea this weekend after an exchange of letters with Kim boosted hopes for a resumption of talks aimed at ending North Korea’s nuclear program.

Read more ....

Update #1: N Korea not ready to denuclearise: US intelligence agency chief -- Al Jazeera
Update #2: US Intelligence Agency Chief Says North Korea Is ‘Not Ready to Denuclearize’ -- Sputnik

WNU Editor: Absent an agreement, there is no reason for North Korea to denuclearize.