VIENNA (Reuters) -- A reactor at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex appears for the first time to be using atomic fuel, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said late on Thursday, which would mean the country has a new potential source of plutonium for its nuclear weapons. "The discharge of warm water is indicative the reactor has reached criticality," IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said in a statement, meaning the nuclear chain reaction in the reactor is self-sustaining. "The LWR, like any nuclear reactor, can produce plutonium in its irradiated fuel, which can be separated during reprocessing, so this is a cause for concern," he said, adding that the advancement of North Korea's nuclear program was "deeply regrettable." The light-water reactor had appeared complete for years without it going into operation. Activity at North Korea's nuclear test site at Punggye-ri has led to months of speculation that it is preparing to test another nuclear weapon as it seeks to miniaturize its warheads for use in its ballistic missiles.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 22, 2023 12:00 UTC