The hermit kingdom has brought the world to the brink of World War 3 through their military advances, with Kim Jong-un’s military henchmen recently developing an Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of striking the continental US.
Now a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency has claimed the secretive state are continuing to develop materials for use in nuclear weapons, while construction is underway to expand their facility in Yongbyon.
In a report the IAEA said: “There were indications consistent with the reactor’s operation, including steam discharges and the outflow of cooling water,”
“Based on past operational cycles, the current cycle could be expected to continue until late 2017.”
The report went on to claim there were signs of the Kim regime enriching uranium, adding: “There were indications consistent with the use of the reported centrifuge enrichment facility located within the plant.”
The IAEA went on to describe the DPRK’s nuclear program as a “cause for grave concerns” and their construction was as “deeply regrettable”.
It comes as a poll claims a majority of US citizens think Donald Trump went “over the top” in his latest response to North Korea’s missile threats.
Earlier this month the outspoken President said North Korea would be met with “fire and fury” if Pyongyang continued to threaten the US or their allies.
The poll, conducted by Harvard University’s Centre for American Political Studies and Harris Insights and Analytics, found that 56 per cent of US citizens believe Trump’s comments went too far and did “nothing to resolve the situation”.
Meanwhile 44 per cent of the registered US voters surveyed said Trump did the right thing in standing up to Kim Jong-un.
Nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) said the US should continue former President Barack Obama’s “strategic patience” with North Korea – a policy of increasing sanctions and pressuring Pyongyang into returning to denuclearisation talks
And 90 percent of those surveyed said North Korea should be stopped from obtaining nuclear weapons, with just 10 percent saying the despotic nation should be allowed the deadly arsenal.
Harvard–Harris Poll co-director Mark Penn said: “The public is united that they do not want North Korea to obtain nuclear weapons and believe they would use them, but at the same time is fearful of military strikes against the regime.
“Ideally they want North Korea contained with sanctions, and by getting the help of China.
“They are on the fence about the President’s handling of the situation but it’s ultimately what kind of results he gets that will determine his public support on the issue.”
The Harvard–Harris Poll online survey of 2,263 registered voters was conducted from Aug 17 to 22 with 37 per cent identifying themselves as Democrat, 31 per cent Republican, 29 per cent independent and 3 per cent selected “other”.