38 North "Continued Activity Observed Around North Korea's Yongbyon Nuclear Facility"

Vehicle Traffic and New Building Construction Around Uranium Enrichment Plant
No Signs of Operation at 5MW Reactor and Experimental Light Water Reactor
Kim Jong Un: "We Are a Nuclear Power... We Will Ensure Our Own Safety"

On the 27th, the 67th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, which North Korea calls the "Day of Victory in the Fatherland Liberation War," the 6th National Veterans' Conference was held at the Pyongyang April 25th Cultural Hall, where Chairman Kim Jong-un smiled and waved his hand.

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening national defense while mentioning "nuclear deterrence," as the U.S.-based North Korea specialist media 38 North claimed on the 28th (local time) that activity continues to be observed around the uranium enrichment plant at the Yongbyon nuclear facility in North Korea.

The Yongbyon nuclear facility, located in Yongbyon County, Pyonganbuk Province, is the center of North Korea's nuclear weapons development and draws international attention as a site of concern for the development of weapons of mass destruction. Highly enriched uranium can be used to make nuclear warheads.

38 North analyzed the Yongbyon nuclear facility using commercial satellite imagery and stated that the activity at the Yongbyon uranium enrichment plant over the past year has exceeded normal maintenance levels, implying that uranium enrichment operations are underway.

According to 38 North, activity around the uranium enrichment plant and the radioactive isotope production facility within the nuclear site has generally been low over the past year, but intermittent movement of vehicles and trailers has been observed. This indicates that some facilities are operational, according to 38 North's assessment.

In particular, among these, special tracked vehicles and vehicles presumed to be liquid nitrogen (LN) transport trailers within the uranium enrichment facility were regularly spotted, suggesting that uranium enrichment work is continuously ongoing.

38 North analyzed that the periodic appearance of three to four special vehicles throughout the facility, accelerating maintenance efforts, is evidence of activities beyond simple maintenance.

38 North also added that large and small construction works have continued near the main research building and administrative headquarters.

Near a facility presumed to be an experimental light water reactor (ELWR) at the end of last year, an unidentified single-story building was destroyed and replaced with a new building.

However, 38 North reported that despite these activities, there were no clear signs that the 5MW (megawatt) reactor or the experimental light water reactor was operational. These facilities could produce materials usable in nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, Chairman Kim Jong-un earlier showcased North Korea's status as a "nuclear-armed state" on the 67th anniversary of the Korean War armistice on the 27th. Kim stated, "With our reliable and effective self-defensive nuclear deterrence, there will no longer be any talk of war on this land, and the safety and future of our nation will be firmly guaranteed forever."

Kim delivered a speech at the 6th National Veterans' Congress held at the Pyongyang April 25th Cultural Hall on the same day. He emphasized the nuclear-armed state status, saying, "We have walked the path of self-development as a nuclear-armed state." He added, "Now, at last, we have become capable of reliably defending ourselves against any form of high-intensity pressure and military threats or blackmail from imperialist reactionaries and hostile forces."