The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said North Korea has built a new uranium enrichment facility at its main nuclear complex in Yongbyon, infohub.kz reports.
According to the Agency's assessment, the new structure can house up to 28 cascades of gas centrifuges.
"The current operation of enrichment facilities in Kangson and Yongbyon, as well as reports of further expansion of North Korea's production of weapons-grade nuclear material, are a serious cause for concern," IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized.
In addition, the Agency reported signs that an expanded uranium enrichment facility in Kangson, near Pyongyang, has begun operation.
It is noted that since IAEA inspectors have not had access to North Korea since 2009, the agency monitors Pyongyang's activities using satellite imagery and analysis of open-source data, including photographs published by North Korean state media.
According to the agency, the new two-story building in Yongbyon is the second uranium enrichment facility at the complex. Specialists reached this conclusion after comparing satellite images from the construction period with photographs from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's visit in June.
Recall that on August 20, several short-range ballistic missiles were launched from the vicinity of Pyongyang toward the Sea of Japan.
In July, North Korea decided to strengthen its nuclear forces both qualitatively and quantitatively.