N. Korea Expands Plant Making Missiles That Can Reach U.S.: NBC

(Bloomberg) -- North Korea has added a structure to a factory linked to the production of intercontinental ballistic missiles, NBC News reported, raising concerns the reclusive country will resume testing weapons that can reach the U.S.

The commercial satellite images from Planet Labs show a temporary structure added to the site that can accommodate the raising of a launcher arm for such long-range missiles, according to NBC. The news report cited an analysis by Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.

The hermit state has engaged in a series of weapons tests as Kim approaches his self-imposed year-end deadline for U.S. President Donald Trump to make a better offer in negotiations. The two sides have recently resumed threats and insults, with North Korea warning that it was preparing a choice of “Christmas” gifts for Trump, depending on his response.

North Korea last launched an intercontinental ballistic missile in November 2017, a breakthrough test that demonstrated Kim’s ability to carry nuclear warheads to the entire U.S. mainland. Kim subsequently declared his nuclear weapons program “complete” and opened talks with South Korea and later with Trump.

To contact the reporter on this story: Niluksi Koswanage in Singapore at nkoswanage@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Shamim Adam at sadam2@bloomberg.net

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