Analysts: Photos show North Korea may be building submarine capable of launching nuclear missiles


New satellite images taken on Monday suggest North Korea may be constructing a new ballistic missile submarine, analysts from the Beyond Parallel research project said Tuesday.
The photos of Sinpo South Shipyard show support vessels and a crane, which could be used during a test launch, the analysts said. The analysts said there is no conclusive evidence that a test will happen soon, and the threat is "emerging rather than imminent."
In July, North Korean state media said leader Kim Jong Un inspected a newly built submarine. The analysts said Sinpo South Shipyard has been a hub of activity for the last three years, and the "images suggest North Korea is making real progress in developing a second leg of the nuclear triad, bringing them closer to a survivable nuclear force."
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Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
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