N Korea has built two-storey uranium enrichment facility, says watchdog

North Korea has built a new two-storey uranium enrichment facility, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. The facility, part of the Yongbyon nuclear complex, is reportedly capable of housing up to 28 centrifuge cascades used to enrich uranium. This finding is cause for 'serious concern', according to IAEA director Rafael Grossi. The agency's report also indicates that operations have started at another enrichment facility in Kangson, near the capital Pyongyang, in January this year. North Korea declared itself a nuclear power in 2022 and has vowed never to relinquish its weapons. The country's nuclear programme has accelerated under leader Kim Jong Un, who has overseen a record number of missile tests. North Korea's ability to produce nuclear bombs is a major concern due to the many concealed facilities and unknown locations. The IAEA has no inspectors in North Korea since it was expelled in 2009 and relies on satellite imagery for assessments. The facility's construction is a violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and is deeply regrettable, according to Grossi. The agency first referred to the existence of the building in June, and Kim Jong Un visited a 'newly inaugurated nuclear materials production factory' on June 3rd of that year. Despite running one of the poorest countries in the world, Kim spends millions each year developing a secretive nuclear arsenal. A 2022 report by a non-proliferation think-tank put the cost at $640m. North Korea's nuclear programme is a concern due to the possibility of it being used as a tool for international aggression.