North Korea claimed that its first spy satellite, which was launched into orbit last week, captured images of the White House, Pentagon, and nearby US naval bases.
The prominent US sites are added to a list of locations North Korea claims to have photographed using its Nov. 21 reconnaissance probe. The latest images, along with previous photos of Rome, Anderson Air Force Base in Guam, Pearl Harbor, and the US Navy’s Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, were seen by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to the state’s official media.
After rescuing one of North Korea’s spy satellites following a failed launch earlier this year, South Korea concluded the technology had little military value. While Seoul believes that any North Korean satellite would be rudimentary at best, such technology could help Kim’s regime in its targeting as it steps up its ability to deliver a nuclear strike.
North Korea had stated that the spy satellite would formally begin its reconnaissance mission on December 1 after some fine-tuning, but the official Korean Central News Agency stated Tuesday that “the satellite’s fine-tuning process is being hastened to end one or two days earlier.”
No external confirmation; North Korea’s satellite claim questioned by US
There has been no confirmation from the outside world that the satellite is operational, and North Korea has yet to release any images taken by its new satellite to the outside world.
The US is unable to independently confirm North Korea’s claim, according to a spokesman for the White House National Security Council. The launch of a space launch vehicle using ballistic missile technology, according to the spokesperson, is a violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions.
When it comes to satellite claims, North Korea has a history of bluster. Under the leadership of Kim Jong Il — the current leader’s father — North Korea claimed to have launched a satellite playing revolutionary songs, only for Washington to say the probe was most likely lost at sea.