North Korea: Secret Ballistic Missile Base Revealed

A new report by an American institute reveals a secret North Korean missile base, Sinpung-dong, just 27 kilometers from the Chinese border. The base, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), can house up to nine intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Researchers estimate that Sinpung-dong is one of 15 to 20 secret facilities never officially recognized by Pyongyang. The report was based on satellite images, interviews with North Korean refugees and officials, declassified documents, and open sources.

The base, which began construction in 2004 and has been operating since 2014, spans 22 square kilometers. It is located in a narrow valley with natural cover, making it difficult to detect. It is estimated to house Hwasong-15 or Hwasong-18 missiles.

The base's strategic location near China is considered an advantage for Pyongyang, as the United States or South Korea may hesitate to strike it due to potential impact on Chinese territory.

North Korea is estimated to have 40 to 50 nuclear warheads.