Photo: Getty Images
A newly released report by the International Atomic Energy Agency suggests that North Korea has resumed operations at one of its nuclear reactors. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog said that it has seen evidence that a five-megawatt reactor at a nuclear complex in the city of Yongbyon was brought online back in July.
“There were no indications of reactor operation from early December 2018 to the beginning of July 2021,” the IAEA wrote in its annual report. “Since early July 2021, there have been indications, including the discharge of cooling water, consistent with the operation of the reactor."
The reactor produces plutonium which can be used to create nuclear weapons. The report noted that a radiochemical laboratory where plutonium is extracted also appears to be operational. While there is no evidence that the centrifuge enrichment facility is active, the IAEA said it has noticed vehicular traffic around the area. That facility can produce highly enriched uranium, which is the other key ingredient needed to create a nuclear weapon.
“[North Korea's] nuclear activities continue to be a cause for serious concern. Furthermore, the new indications of the operation of the 5-megawatt reactor and the radiochemical laboratory are deeply troubling,” the IAEA said.
The agency has not been allowed to inspect North Korea's nuclear facilities since inspectors were kicked out in 2009. Since then, the IAEA has relied on satellite imagery to monitor the country's nuclear program.