North Korea appears to have reactivated Yongbyon nuclear reactor: IAEA

North Korea appears to have restarted operations at its main Yongbyon nuclear reactor in July, a UN nuclear watchdog said, raising the alarm that the reclusive regime could be increasing its nuclear arsenal.

The International Atomic Energy Agency, in an annual report dated Friday, said it detected “deeply troubling” indications that the 5-megawatt nuclear reactor at the Yongbyon nuclear complex — the country’s main source of weapons-grade plutonium — has been reactivated.

“Since early July 2021, there have been indications, including the discharge of cooling water, consistent with the operation of the reactor,” the report said, noting this was the first sign of activity detected since December 2018.

The report also said that there are also indications that a nearby radiochemical laboratory was operating from mid-February to early July this year. This five-month period is longer than the usual time needed for waste treatment or maintenance activities, and is consistent with the duration of previous reprocessing campaigns, it said. The laboratory is used to extract plutonium by reprocessing spent fuel rods from the reactor for use in nuclear weapons.

“The DPRK’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,” it said, referring to the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

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