North Korea 'is working on new missiles'

The American newspaper Washington Post and Reuters news agency report that satellite images indicate new activities in North Korea's intercontinental missile manufacturing facilities. The United States has not yet officially commented on this matter. According to these reports, American spy satellites have observed new activities at one of North Korea's facilities, which is the site of the first intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States. This facility is located in Sunomdong, which is a missile research center. Reports indicate that satellite and infrared images have recorded the entry and exit of vehicles to this facility, but it is unclear how far any potential actions have progressed. The Washington Post reported that North Korea appears to be producing one or two liquid-fueled intercontinental missiles. A source familiar with the discussions told Reuters that one of the images shows a vehicle similar to those used by North Korea to transport intercontinental missiles. The Washington Post has also published similar statements. However, both media outlets emphasized that this truck was covered, and therefore it is unclear what it was carrying. The reports include statements from officials familiar with the issue in the United States. No official from either the United States or North Korea has reacted to these reports yet. South Korean officials have also not responded to this report. The intelligence agencies of that country have not published a report on this matter either. A senior official in Seoul told Reuters that South Korean and American intelligence agencies are closely monitoring various activities of North Korea, but he refrained from providing further details. The leaders of the United States and North Korea had a historic meeting in June and agreed to move towards denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Since then, contradictory reports about Pyongyang's actions have emerged; on one hand, reports about North Korea's cooperation in disarmament and on the other hand, efforts by its government to conceal or produce new weapons. The U.S. Secretary of State is scheduled to travel to Singapore this week for discussions related to Washington's policies in East Asia. According to the U.S. State Department, Mike Pompeo will meet with his Asian counterparts in Singapore to discuss 'the complete and verifiable denuclearization of North Korea' and other issues.