NIS reports unusual activity at North Korea ICBM production facility

Posted on : 2019-03-08 15:46 KST Modified on : 2019-03-08 15:46 KST
Agency observed increase in transport vehicle movements in February
An ICBM production facility in the Sanumdong missile research complex in Pyongyang
An ICBM production facility in the Sanumdong missile research complex in Pyongyang

Unusual activity has been detected at the Sanumdong missile research complex in Pyongyang, a facility for North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) production, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) is reporting.

According to accounts on Mar. 7 from members of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, NIS Director Suh Hoon said in a Mar. 5 talk with committee members that the agency was “closely observing an increase in transport vehicle movements just before last February in the missile research complex at Sanumdong.”

Regarding the items being moved, Suh reportedly said, “Many vehicles have been observed going back and forth, but we have not been able to confirm what they are transporting.” The Sanumdong missile research complex is known to be a military facility responsible for past ICBM production.

The NIS was also quoted as reporting that partial restoration activities had been detected among previously demolished facilities at the Tongchang Village missile launch site. Suh reportedly explained that the restored facilities consisted of “roofs and doors,” but did not respond to questions from committee members on whether any other facilities were also being restored.

According to sources, the NIS explained that North Korea’s aims with its restoration of the Tongchang facilities could be “to increase the PR effect when the missile launch site is dismantled under expert observation” or “to use as a missile launch site in case negotiations [with the US] failed.”

By Lee Kyung-mi, staff reporter

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