IN PHOTOS: Kim Jong Un inspects nuclear facility as North Korea expands arsenal

Updated On: 29 January, 2025 03:23 PM IST | Anisha Shrivastava

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a nuclear facility, calling for an increase in the country’s nuclear capabilities. The visit signals Pyongyang’s continued push to expand its nuclear arsenal despite diplomatic overtures from the US. (PICS/AFP) 

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<div>Analysts believe North Korea`s nuclear advancements aim to pressure the US for sanctions relief and political concessions. State media reported Kim’s visit to a nuclear-material production base and the Nuclear Weapons Institute, likely a uranium-enrichment site.</div>

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Analysts believe North Korea`s nuclear advancements aim to pressure the US for sanctions relief and political concessions. State media reported Kim’s visit to a nuclear-material production base and the Nuclear Weapons Institute, likely a uranium-enrichment site.

<div>Kim claimed North Korea achieved “amazing” nuclear material production last year and urged surpassing this year’s target. He stressed that bolstering the country’s nuclear deterrence remains a top priority against “hostile forces”, referring to the US and South Korea.</div>

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Kim claimed North Korea achieved “amazing” nuclear material production last year and urged surpassing this year’s target. He stressed that bolstering the country’s nuclear deterrence remains a top priority against “hostile forces”, referring to the US and South Korea.

<div>Trump, in a Fox News interview, described Kim as “a smart guy” and expressed willingness to reopen talks. North Korea has not directly responded to Trump’s comments but continues to test weapons and issue threats against the US.</div>

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Trump, in a Fox News interview, described Kim as “a smart guy” and expressed willingness to reopen talks. North Korea has not directly responded to Trump’s comments but continues to test weapons and issue threats against the US.

<div>Pyongyang recently tested a cruise missile system, its third weapons display this year, warning of a tough response to US-South Korea military drills. North Korea views joint US-South Korea drills as invasion rehearsals, though Washington and Seoul insist they are defensive.</div>

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Pyongyang recently tested a cruise missile system, its third weapons display this year, warning of a tough response to US-South Korea military drills. North Korea views joint US-South Korea drills as invasion rehearsals, though Washington and Seoul insist they are defensive.

<p>Estimates suggest North Korea may have more than 100 nuclear weapons, with the ability to produce several more each year. The nuclear facility Kim visited in September was likely separate from the Yongbyon site revealed to US scholars in 2010.</p>

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Estimates suggest North Korea may have more than 100 nuclear weapons, with the ability to produce several more each year. The nuclear facility Kim visited in September was likely separate from the Yongbyon site revealed to US scholars in 2010.

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IN PHOTOS: Kim Jong Un inspects nuclear facility as North Korea expands arsenal

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