38 North
@38NorthNK
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Informed analysis of events in and around the DPRK. A publication of the @StimsonCenter . Innovative Ideas Changing the World.
Washington, DC
Joined January 2014
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Send us removal request.
Pinned Tweet
Calling all young professionals interested in
#NorthKorea
and
#NortheastAsia
: 38 North is accepting applications for our Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program. Deadline: May 20.
More info here:
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Satellite imagery indicates that Kim Jong Un was likely at his Wonsan compound earlier this week.
#KimJongUn
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While previously obscured to visible imaging satellites, recent SAR imagery of
#DPRK
's Sinpo facility reveals the presence of its SINPO-class experimental ballistic missile submarine and its submersible barge
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Recent commercial satellite imagery indicates the
#DPRK
is preparing for a likely military parade in Pyongyang to mark the "Day of the Sun" on April 15. Analysis by
@martyn_williams
and
@OlliHeinonen
.
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55
209
New commercial satellite imagery of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station indicates that the
#DPRK
has begun dismantling key facilities, including the rail-mounted processing building and and the nearby rocket engine test stand.
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Recent commercial satellite imagery does not support
@konotaromp
's assertion that North Korea is preparing for another nuclear test
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Recent commercial satellite imagery indicates that North Korea has finished work on the secondary cooling system for the 5 MWe reactor.
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US discussions of military options raises risk of military escalation by
#NorthKorea
--Michael Zagurek shows human cost if DPRK were to launch
#nuclear
attack on Seoul or Tokyo
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38 North is delighted to announce that we will be joining
@StimsonCenter
under the
@Stimson_EAsia
program. We look forward to working closely with the Stimson Center to continue to put forward nonpartisan and pragmatic analysis of the Korean peninsula.
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First image of
#DPRK
's military parade. It's a 🛰️
@umbraspace
SAR image (satellite-based radar) that can be tough to interpret, so
@martyn_williams
included an older visual image to help. Troop formations, vehicles & TELs are all visible in the image captured at 2216 local time.
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The US will finally send an Ambassador to South Korea
The Senate just confirmed Harry Harris, former commander of US Pacific forces, as ambassador to South Korea by voice vote.
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@realDonaldTrump
38 North Co-Founder Joel Wit on the UN's latest vote for sanctions on North Korea
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Today, Russia appears to have started providing
#DPRK
a new link to the internet, just after reported US cyber attacks on North Korea,
@martyn_williams
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Commercial satellite imagery of the inter-Korean liaison office at
#DPRK
's Kaesong shows it remains standing, although clearly damaged. Analysis by
@martyn_williams
and Peter Makowsky.
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Recent commercial satellite imagery shows continued construction and activity at the Sinpo South Shipyard, indicating North Korea's efforts to build and deploy its first operational ballistic missile submarine. Read the latest and view the imagery here:
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"President Yoon may well be moving to another hinge point, this one with disastrous consequences: a more dangerous Korean Peninsula and a greatly weakened
#SouthKorea
."
@SiegfriedHecker
outlines the disastrous downsides of the ROK building nuclear weapons.
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Recent commercial satellite imagery has provided definitive evidence that the
#DPRK
has begun dismantling the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site
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Commercial satellite imagery from June 21 indicates that improvements to the infrastructure at North Korea’s Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center are continuing at a rapid pace.
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North Korea's Punggye-ri Nuclear test site seems primed and ready.
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A first look at
#NorthKorea
's Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site--multiple landslides visible in initial post-test imagery
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The
#DPRK
is in the process of razing Iha-ri, one of their key ballistic missile test stands
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Commercial satellite imagery shows a train crossed from
#DPRK
into Russia on Nov 4. This is the first traffic seen on the route in several years amid reported NK-to-Russia arms sales & expected trade resumption. Analysis:
@martyn_williams
& Peter Makowsky.
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Recent commercial satellite imagery of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station shows several indicators suggesting rocket engine test preparation at the facility
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Commercial satellite imagery from September shows
#NorthKorea
continues to work on second test stand barge for SLBM program at Nampo Naval Shipyard
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In light of the NYT’s misleading article, Leon Sigal calls attention to the questions and answers concerning the
#DPRK
’s missile program that should receive our attention.
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North Korea’s Sohae Satellite Launching Station (Tongchang-ri): Rebuilding commences on launch pad and engine test stand
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The latest commercial satellite imagery of
#DPRK
's Sohae Satellite Launch Facility indicates that the site may have returned to normal operation status.
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38 North is pleased to announce we will now be translating select articles into English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese! For more information please see below
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Activity continues throughout North Korea’s Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site:
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Despite recent speculation that North Korea’s “Christmas gift” might be a satellite launch, commercial satellite imagery of
#DPRK
’s Sohae Satellite Launching Station over the past two months shows no indication of such preparations.
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#NorthKorea
’s latest successful missile test represents a level of performance never before seen
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Commercial satellite imagery shows new activity at the coastal launch pad at
#NorthKorea
's Sohae Satellite Launching Station. Analysis by
@martyn_williams
, Peter Makowsky, &
@IlianaRagnone
.
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The current discussion of
#KimJongUn
's health and what happens in case of his sudden demise is one with no quick/easy answers. In 2017, we published a series of articles on the numerous challenges that could arise in case of instability in
#DPRK
.
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Thousands of people were in formation in Pyongyang today, ostensibly to prepare for the upcoming celebrations of the 75th Anniversary of the WPK on Oct 10. "영웅청년" translates to "heroic youth."
📷:
@Maxar
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Commercial satellite imagery of
#NorthKorea
's Sinpho South Shipyard from Sep 6 captured the debut of a new ballistic missile submarine, but many questions regarding its capabilities are left to be answered. Analysis by Peter Makowsky and Jack Liu.
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Commercial satellite imagery shows unusual activity at the fuel reception area of
#DPRK
's Radiochemical Laboratory at the Yongbyon nuclear complex.
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In this analysis,
@EllemanIISS
provides a technical assessment of the
#DPRK
's May 4 firing drill and short-range ballistic missile.
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Recent commercial satellite imagery of the
#DPRK
's Sohae Satellite Launching Station (Tongchang-ri) shows no further construction at the launch pad or engine test stand from March 8 to 13.
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Two underground complexes have been identified at the
#DPRK
's Yongbyon nuclear facility. While the purpose of these areas is unknown, they could be of interest for future inspection teams.
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Vann Van Diepen and
@EllemanIISS
provide initial assessments of the two new strategic missiles - a new, larger ICBM and the new Pukguksong-4 - which the
#DPRK
unveiled today in their military parade
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Here's an image from July 14 of parade practice at
#DPRK
's Mirim. We often see troop drills but rarely the heavy machinery and TELs in parade preparation. However, they are visible in this 🛰️
@umbraspace
SAR image (satellite-based radar). It was taken at night (2202 local time).
First image of
#DPRK
's military parade. It's a 🛰️
@umbraspace
SAR image (satellite-based radar) that can be tough to interpret, so
@martyn_williams
included an older visual image to help. Troop formations, vehicles & TELs are all visible in the image captured at 2216 local time.
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At Sohae,
#DPRK
continues to dismantle the engine test stand, as per its commitments to the US-DPRK negotiation process. At the launch pad, the transfer structure continues to be torn down, although the nature of this activity is still not certain
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The DPRK has officially moved its clock to the ROK's time instead of its previous half hour difference
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While we don't know for certain it's Kim Jong Un, this video footage appears to be for at least a high ranking official
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Work seems to have resumed at
#DPRK
's nuclear test site around the North Portal and Main admin area.
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ICYMI:
@j3nnyt0wn
(
@StimsonCenter
) testified yesterday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on security on the Korean Peninsula.
Watch the recorded livestream here:
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Commercial satellite imagery from November indicates that North Korea’s SLBM program is advancing as it prepares its second missile test stand barge for service at the Nampo Navy Shipyard.
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Commercial satellite imagery from May 30 reveals evidence of what could be a pending satellite launch at both launch pads of
#DPRK
's Sohae Satellite Launching Station. Analysis: Jack Liu, Peter Makowsky,
@OlliHeinonen
and
@SamanthaJPitz
.
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After nearly half a year of little detectable changes, construction resumes on the launch pad at
#NorthKorea
's Sohae Satellite Launching Station and is moving quickly. Analysis by Jack Liu, Peter Makowsky and
@OlliHeinonen
.
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Recent commercial satellite imagery of the Yongbyon Nuclear Research Center shows construction progressing rapidly near the reactors, no signs of reprocessing
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Commercial satellite imagery of
#DPRK
's Sinpo South Shipyard indicates that a probable dummy missile ejection test likely took place recently.
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Tens of military aircraft are seen on display at
#DPRK
’s Wonsan-Kalma International Airport. While unclear why, preparations may be underway for a site visit by Kim Jong Un or revival of air force/anti-air force drill competitions.
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Recent commercial satellite imagery of
#DPRK
's Yongbyon Nuclear Center indicates that after a two-year hiatus, operations at the steam plant, which serves the Radiochemical Laboratory, have resumed. Analysis by Peter Makowsky, Frank Pabian and Jack Liu.
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Commercial satellite imagery indicate that air operations at the Wonsan-Kalma Airfield coincided with reported missile launches last week. Rapid construction of a new, secure seaside facility also observed.
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Recent commercial satellite imagery shows the
#DPRK
continues to make progress in dismantling the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site. Additionally, a possible stand for journalists to witness the closure has been identified.
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New commercial satellite imagery of
#DPRK
's Sohae Satellite Launching Station shows the retractable environmental shelter has been pulled back from the engine test stand.
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Newly acquired synthetic aperture radar data of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site provides additional evidence that the two areas accessible by the South and West Portals remain viable for future testing
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We are still coming to terms with the loss of our good friend
@EllemanIISS
, but wanted to take a minute to honor his legacy and all that he brought to 38 North. Mike will be greatly missed by all of us at 38 North.
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Focus at
#DPRK
's Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site seems to shift. Sat imagery shows significant increase in activity around the West Portal and a seeming abandonment of the North Portal.
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Commercial satellite imagery of
#DPRK
's Pyongyang General Hospital indicates that construction is quickly progressing. Construction of a new nearby building also appears to be externally complete. Analysis by
@martyn_williams
, Peter Makowsky &
@j3nnyt0wn
.
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Michael Elleman (
@EllemanIISS
) takes a closer look at the Hwasong-16--the
#DPRK
's newest and biggest ICBM that debuted during the recent military parade--and asks: does size matter?
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Bloomberg confirms that Kim Jong Un is in China. Why is still unknown
JUST IN: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made a surprise visit to China, sources say
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Analyzing official photos of the Hwasong-15 launch,
@EllemanIISS
assesses the ICBM is a significant improvement for its WMD program over the Hwasong-14 and may be operationally ready as early as 2018:
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Recent commercial satellite imagery of the
#DPRK
's Sinpo South Shipyard indicates that construction of a submarine is ongoing.
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The
#DPRK
consistently warned the United States against including B-52s in their military exercises with the ROK. Leon Sigal explains what this means for the Trump-Kim summit and what Kim Jong Un wants as an endgame
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Recent commercial satellite imagery shows increased activity at
#DPRK
's Sohae Satellite Launching Station launch pad and VIP areas around the complex. Analysis by
@j3nnyt0wn
, Peter Makowsky,
@OlliHeinonen
and Jack Liu.
1
18
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A North Korean Rail Yard Near Russia Springs to Life: Recent commercial satellite imagery indicates goods have been delivered from Russia into
#NorthKorea
’s heavily secured railway yard at Tumangang. Analysis by
@martyn_williams
and Peter Makowsky.
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29
51
Robert Carlin reviews Jung H. Pak's "Becoming Kim Jong Un," a book that delves into
#KimJongUn
's rise to power, personality and leadership from the perspective of a former CIA analyst.
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Recent commercial satellite imagery indicates ongoing work on the submersible ballistic missile test stand barge at North Korea's Nampo Navy Shipyard
5
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At Sohae Satellite Launching Station, no apparent activity related to dismantlement observed on June 12 imagery from
@planetlabs
. Quick update here:
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Following up on our report from yesterday, recent commercial satellite imagery shows no alterations or activity to any of the
#DPRK
's six known launch and engine test facilities and two ejection test stands
6
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44
Commercial satellite imagery of
#DPRK
's Sinpho South Shipyard from September 18 reveals six barges and vessels gathered around the construction hall quay, suggesting that
#NothKorea
is preparing to launch a new submarine. Analysis: Jack Liu &
@OlliHeinonen
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Recent commercial satellite imagery indicates that discharge at the
#DPRK
's Yongbyon 5 MWe Reactor ceased in early April. Analysis by
@OlliHeinonen
, Peter Makowsky, and Jack Liu.
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From all of us at 38 North, we wish you a happy, healthy and safe new year!
4
8
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When Kim Jong Un went to Singapore, there were rumors he was flying back early because of coup fears at home.
@Michael_NKLW
sets the record straight about North Korea's hierarchy in this deep dive from our affiliate site North Korea Leadership Watch
2
27
44
Recent commercial satellite imagery of
#DPRK
’s Sohae Satellite Launching Station indicates construction is progressing rapidly at several key facilities & a probable new coastal launch pad is being built. Analysis: Peter Makowsky, Jack Liu & Olli Heinonen.
0
20
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The mystery is solved! The structure
@38NorthNK
spotted going up in December in
#DPRK
's Kim Il Sung Square was a room for the orchestra to keep them and their instruments out of the below-freezing weather.
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While most are fixated on the prospects of denuclearization, war on the Korean Peninsula would start with conventional weapons. A significant confidence building agreement was reached by Moon and Kim, Richard Sokolsky weighs in.
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Commercial satellite imagery of
#DPRK
's Sohae Satellite Launching Station indicates progress on the new coastal launch pad is moving forward at a rapid pace. Analysis: Peter Makowsky, Jack Liu & Olli Heinonen.
2
20
47
Recent commercial satellite imagery of
#NorthKorea
’s Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center indicates a high level of activity around the complex, including the Experimental Light Water Reactor. Analysis by Peter Makowsky and Jack Liu.
3
20
47
Recent commercial satellite imagery shows that the North Portal of Punggye-ri is dormant, but there is significant tunneling underway at the West Portal.
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40
Latest test of Pukguksong-2 from Lake Yonphung shows
#DPRK
can launch from anywhere, not just fixed launch positions
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Recent commercial satellite imagery shows that the preparations for the February 8 Korean People's Army Day military parade are underway
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Yongbyon remains active even amid US-DPRK talk about denuclearization.
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We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jenny Town (
@j3nnyt0wn
) as Senior Fellow
@StimsonCenter
and Director
@38NorthNK
. Our co-founder and fmr Director, Joel Wit (
@Joel_Wit38
) is now Distinguished Fellow in Asian and Security Studies at Stimson.
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Commercial satellite imagery of North Korea’s Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center indicates that the 5 MWe reactor continues to show signs of operation. A military tent camp has also been set up in an area known as the Yongchu-dong Support Area.
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As
#DPRK
’s nuclear program advances, the US must pursue both diplomacy and an updated allied deterrence strategy, writes Brad Roberts in “Living With a Nuclear-Arming North Korea: Deterrence Decisions in a Deteriorating Threat Environment”
@Livermore_Lab
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Recent commercial satellite imagery shows little evidence of any dismantlement at Sohae
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On October 4 at 2:30 PM:
@j3nnyt0wn
(
@StimsonCenter
),
@VictorDCha
(
@CSIS
) and
@snydersas
(
@CFR_org
) will testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the issue of security on the Korean Peninsula.
For more information:
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9
46
North Korea's latest statement shows they are watching what people around the President are saying on the Sunday morning political programs
And here it is: the English-language translation of N. Korea's latest statement, taking aim pretty clearly at John Bolton.
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2K
3K
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Recent commercial satellite imagery shows that no new dismantlement activity has been observed at
#DPRK
's Sohae Satellite Launching Station since August 3.
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The Blue House is reporting that .
@SecPompeo
will return with the three US hostages
(URGENT) Pompeo expected to return with 3 U.S. captives in N. Korea: Cheong Wa Dae official
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US intelligence agrees with the assessment that Punggye-ri is still usable despite a report saying that it collapsed
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Vann Van Diepen examines the
#DPRK
's second consecutive flight test success of the Hwasong-18 ICBM, bringing the missile closer to deployment.
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