PUNGGYE-RI, North Korea (AP) — North Korea carried out what it said is the demolition of its nuclear test site Thursday, setting off a series of explosions over several hours in the presence of foreign journalists.
The explosions at the nuclear test site deep in the mountains of the North’s sparsely populated northeast were centered on three tunnels into the underground site and a number of observation towers in the surrounding area.
The planned closing was previously announced by leader Kim Jong Un ahead of his planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump next month.
The North’s decision to close the Punggye-ri nuclear test site has generally been seen as a welcome gesture by Kim to set a positive tone ahead of the summit. Even so, it is not an irreversible move and would need to be followed by many more significant measures to meet Trump’s demands for real denuclearization.
By bringing in the foreign media, mainly television networks, the North is apparently hoping to have images of the closing — including explosions to collapse tunnel entrances — broadcast around the world. The group included an Associated Press Television crew.
The North did not invite international inspectors to the ceremony, which limits its value as a serious concession.
When Trump decides to completely scuttle the Summit, he will refer to this action by N. Korea as “TunnelGate”.
Thought 1: You often have to demolish existing structures to make way for improved facilities…
Thought 2: How different would “bomb in a tunnel” sound from artillery fire from behind a hill, especially if one is primed? Something like Brainstorm/Green Needle?
Not that I’m cynical or anything.
Fuck you AP for not bothering to mention the place was ruined after the last test.
( first fuck-you-AP of the day!)
PUNGGYE-RI, North Korea (AP) — North Korea carried out what it said is
the demolition of its nuclear test site Thursday, setting off a series
of explosions over several hours in the presence of foreign journalists
…
The International Atomic Energy Agency experts and inspectors were not there, journalists were. No disrespect to the profession but they aren’t the needed experts.
And to also mention that any more damage done there by explosions is exceedingly dangerous as radiation could easily be released.