Horrifying satellite imagery indicates production is underway at a nuclear centre in North Korea.
Apparent activity at the Hermit Kingdom's Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Centre suggests the production of fissile material, both plutonium and enriched uranium, may well be in full swing.
Such materials are necessary for leader Kim Jong-un to fulfil his nuclear development goals.
The images also suggest operations have been ramped up at the facilities in and around the centre.
The most recent imagery shows melted snow on certain roofs, as well as snow removal from roadways, implying activity.
But the specific scope of work being undertaken remains unknown.
Snaps show three large buildings are currently being constructed in the research and development area, one of which appears as if it could be in operation.
Activity at Yongbyon has been steadily increasing in recent years, particularly after the failed Hanoi Summit in February 2019.
Former US President Donald Trump had met with Kim for the two-day summit at the French Colonial Hôtel Métropole in Hanoi, Vietnam.
However, the White House announced it had been cut short after no agreement was reached.
Trump later said the collapse in talks was due to North Korea's insistence that all nuclear sanctions be ended, but foreign minister Ri Yong-ho claimed his country had only wanted a partial lifting.
New construction of support buildings for the nuclear centre begun more than a year ago and last year activity at the Radiochemical Laboratory (RCL) complex suggested reprocessing had started.
ew construction of support buildings for the nuclear centre begun more than a year ago and last year activity at the Radiochemical Laboratory (RCL) complex suggested reprocessing had started.
This was followed by the restarting of the 5 MWe Reactor.
This activity, added to the expansion and occupation of staff housing quarters over the past few years, have all pointed towards the complex being brought up to scratch for operations.
The facilities at the centre also include the Experimental Light Water Reactor (ELWR), Radiochemical Laboratory, Uranium Enrichment Plant (UEP), and Uranium Conversion Plant.
