North Korea hides missile base posing nuclear threat to US
- A new report reveals a secret missile base in North Korea capable of storing intercontinental ballistic missiles.
- This facility poses a potential nuclear threat to East Asia and the United States.
- The existence of such a base highlights North Korea's efforts to expand its military capabilities and assert its position globally.
In recent years, North Korea has significantly advanced its military capabilities, particularly under the leadership of Kim Jong Un. A newly disclosed report reveals the existence of a secret missile base known as Sinpung-dong, located just 27 kilometers from the Chinese border. The base, which has been in operation since 2014, is believed to house up to nine nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and their mobile launchers. This facility is among the estimated 15 to 20 ballistic missile bases that North Korea has not publicly acknowledged, indicating a continued effort to enhance its nuclear arsenal against regional and global adversaries. The establishment of the Sinpung-dong missile base began in 2004 and has been strategically developed to bolster North Korea's missile testing capabilities. Experts believe this base is part of a larger 'missile belt' which supports North Korea's evolving ballistic missile strategy. The ongoing development and modernization of its armed forces are violations of existing United Nations sanctions, highlighting the international community's concerns about North Korea's aggressive military posture. Furthermore, the report from the Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) suggests that the North Korean government has become more assertive in its military ambitions while maintaining a close relationship with Russia. This alliance, especially since the onset of the war in Ukraine, could potentially lead to increased technological exchanges that may elevate North Korea's missile capabilities. The Sinpung-dong base, situated in a concealed mountain valley, comprises various military facilities that have been camouflaged to evade detection via satellite surveillance, making it even more difficult to gauge the full extent of North Korea's military strengthenings.