New pier completed at North Korea rocket launch site, satellite imagery shows
July 17 - Satellite imagery indicates that a new maritime pier has been completed at North Korea's key rocket station, where the latest spy satellite launches and other rocket tests have been conducted, satellite operator ICEYE said.
The pier at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station seen via the imagery "enables transport of larger rocket components than previously possible via rail", ICEYE said in findings provided to Reuters. Larger components would allow the site to host rockets that can travel longer distances.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2022 inspected the Sohae facility and ordered it to be modernised and expanded to ensure that various rockets, including those capable of carrying military spy satellites, could be launched, state media said.
The facility has been used to put a satellite in orbit and also to test various missile components including rocket engines and space launch vehicles that South Korean and U.S. officials say require similar technology to that used in intercontinental ballistic missiles .
An image from July 9 also shows the pier with a newly constructed jetty and vessels indicating potential operational status, according to ICEYE, a sign that could help enhance Sohae's logistical capabilities.
ICEYE added that it took about 28 months from initial reports to develop and complete the pier.
Work to expand the road and rail infrastructure throughout the facility continues, according to 38 North, a Washington-based North Korea monitoring programme.
Satellite images, taken from December to July by the commercial satellite firm Planet Labs, also show what appears to be a pier under construction on the shore.
Pyongyang's latest attempt to launch a military spy satellite at the Sohae site failed in May 2024 but Kim has vowed to never give up the space reconnaissance project that he views as crucial for national self defence against enemy threats.
North Korea successfully placed its first spy satellite in orbit in November 2023.
As part of growing military ties with Moscow, North Korea is likely getting help from Russia on its satellite programme in exchange for sending troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, South Korean officials have said.
North Korea says its military activities, including nuclear weapons, are its sovereign right and only for self defence. It accused the United States and its allies of threatening it with "hostile policies" such as military drills and sanctions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
12 minutes ago
- India.com
What China And Global Media Are Saying About PM Modi's Visit To Maldives
New Delhi: On July 26, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives as the chief guest. His presence at the event grabbed headlines not only in India and Maldives, but across the world. The visit stood out for several reasons. Maldives' President Mohamed Muizzu had built his 2023 election campaign around the slogan 'India Out'. After coming to power, he had sent strong signals distancing the country from India. He also moved swiftly to forge closer ties with China. His early months in office were marked by a decision to send back Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. This was viewed in New Delhi as a potential pivot toward Beijing. That same leader has now invited the Indian prime minister as guest of honour at the nation's biggest official event. The symbolism was unmistakable. It marked a moment that was closely tracked in foreign capitals, especially as China continues its attempts to deepen influence across the Indian Ocean region. Chinese State Media Responds Beijing's Global Times, a state-run publication, published a commentary criticising the tone of Indian media coverage surrounding the visit. According to the publication, some Indian platforms had portrayed the trip as a strategic setback for China and a diplomatic win for India. In its analysis, the Global Times accused Indian media of engaging in zero-sum thinking, suggesting that any gain for India must mean a loss for China. It cited comments from Qian Feng, director at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, who argued that the Maldives naturally prioritises relations with its neighbours but also pursues a diversified foreign policy, including engagement with China's Belt and Road Initiative. 'These approaches are not in conflict,' he said. Singapore and U.S. Media Weigh In Singapore-based Channel News Asia headlined its coverage: 'India's Modi reshapes ties with Maldives.' Their report highlighted how Modi's visit included new infrastructure partnerships, financial commitments and signs of renewed warmth between the two countries. PM Modi inaugurated a new defense ministry building and Indian-funded projects and announced economic support. According to Channel News Asia, the visit was viewed in New Delhi as reassurance that Maldives would not drift too far into China's orbit. The channel highlighted how Muizzu's early months had raised concerns after he ordered the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. The Washington Post echoed this view. In a detailed report, the paper called the two-day trip 'strategically vital' and said it pointed to India's broader goals of asserting presence across key sea routes in the Indian Ocean. It highlighted the announcement of a $565 million line of credit from India to fund development projects. The publication said the visit may mark the beginning of a shift toward restoring normalcy in bilateral ties. A Look From the UK British daily The Independent took a broader view, framing the visit in the context of recent diplomatic turbulence. The publication emphasised that tensions had risen after the Indian government promoted Lakshadweep as a tourism hub, which some in the Maldives perceived as an attempt to redirect Indian tourists away from their beaches. Celebrities in India had even called for a boycott of Maldives as a travel destination. The report added that President Muizzu chose to visit China before making a trip to India, something that had not gone unnoticed in New Delhi. Muizzu's post-China announcement about reducing dependency on India for essentials like medicines and food also drew concern. But things began to improve when Muizzu attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony earlier this year. That visit set the stage for a gradual warming of ties, culminating in the current trip. A New Phase for India-Maldives Relations Pakistan's Express Tribune said Modi's visit ended on a note of clarity and mutual affirmation. It quoted President Muizzu calling the trip 'a defining moment' in relations between the two nations. In social media posts shared at the conclusion of the visit, Muizzu acknowledged the importance of people-to-people ties and long-term cooperation across sectors. In a reciprocal message, PM Modi said India would stand by the people of Maldives in their aspirations. Germany's Deutsche Welle (DW) provided a strategic lens on the visit. It emphasised Maldives' critical location along shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean. Despite its image as a tourist haven, the report described Maldives as a 'geopolitical hotspot' nestled across 1,192 islands. DW pointed out how this geography has made it a focal point in the growing rivalry between India and China. Their report argued that the region is becoming less about leisure and more about maritime strategy and political influence. What Experts Are Saying According to a commentary by Aditya Shivamurti, associate fellow at Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Maldives' policy initially leaned strongly toward China. He explained how 'India Out' had dominated discourse in 2023, and India's presence was sharply reduced. But by 2024, Shivamurti observed a shift. The domestic economic situation in Maldives worsened. Parliamentary dynamics changed. Chinese promises failed to meet expectations. These developments pushed Muizzu to reassess foreign policy. The analysis added that India responded with pragmatism. It avoided escalation and focused instead on diplomatic engagement and support. In return, the Maldives leadership began acknowledging India's critical role in areas like health, development and infrastructure. ORF's report concluded that both countries are now trying to separate foreign policy from domestic politics. While the Maldivian Democratic Party has historically been seen as pro-India and the ruling PNC as leaning toward China, Muizzu seems to be moderating that binary. He has taken steps to respect India's sensitivities, and India, in turn, has extended support. As per Shivamurti's view, the visit was more than symbolic. It was a recalibration. It offered not just headlines, but signs that pragmatism, diplomacy and shared interests are still possible in a region crowded by rival influences.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Lokesh urges NRIs to be partner in AP's development
1 2 Vijayawada: HRD and IT minister Nara Lokesh called upon the Singapore-based Telugu diaspora to promote investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh. He described Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) as Most-Reliable Indians (MRIs) as their role in the development of the homeland is significant. Speaking at the Telugu diaspora meeting organised by APNRT in Singapore on Sunday, Minister Lokesh emphasised that foreign investments are crucial to India's economy. He said that India received a total of Rs 6.73 lakh crore in foreign direct investments during the 2024-25 fiscal year, with approximately Rs 1.24 lakh crore coming from Singapore. He said that this accounts for 19% of the total FDI. "The global trust in Chandrababu Naidu is our investment. CBN (Chandrababu Naidu) is our brand. Let's promote the opportunities in our state to attract investments," Lokesh urged. Lokesh lauded the Telugu community's influence abroad, stating that NRIs are India's brand ambassadors. He urged all NRIs to partner in the state's development. "If a significant portion of the investments come to Andhra Pradesh, our state will become another Singapore," said Lokesh. He also praised the Telugu people for their resilience and support during challenging times, including the recent Pahalgam attack where a state soldier was martyred. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Esperanza Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Reflecting on the legacy of Lee Kuan Yew, Lokesh remarked, "One of my favourite and inspiring leaders is Lee Kuan Yew, who transformed a small fishing village into a global economic powerhouse during his 31 years as Prime Minister." He encouraged NRIs to leverage their expertise and invest in Andhra Pradesh's burgeoning sectors, highlighting the state's extensive coastline, infrastructure, and emerging Quantum Valley as key attractions. Lokesh outlined the state's commitment to creating 20 lakh jobs through new industrial policies and skill development programmes aimed at harnessing global opportunities. "We are implementing new industrial policies, taking Singapore as a role model for the speed of doing business. Our Andhra Pradesh state has immense resources," he added. The minister also announced the launch of APNRT 2.0, aimed at providing enhanced support to NRIs. He called for collective efforts to achieve a healthy, prosperous, and happy Andhra Pradesh, reinforcing the vision of a double-engine govt working under the leadership of Narendra Modi at the centre and Chandrababu Naidu in the state.
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Israel will have to make decision, says Trump as Gaza crisis worsens
Amid the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and the breakdown of delicate negotiations, US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that Israel would have to make a critical decision regarding the ongoing war in Gaza. Speaking to reporters in Scotland, Trump acknowledged the collapse of the ceasefire and hostage-release talks with Hamas had complicated the path ahead."They don't want to give them back, and so Israel is going to have to make a decision," Trump said of the hostages held by Palestinian militants. However, he declined to reveal his personal view on Israel's next also accused Hamas of stealing food supplies meant for Gaza and selling them, contradicting an internal US government report. According to news agency Reuters, US officials found no proof of theft of humanitarian aid by Hamas. Despite tensions, Trump pledged increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, but also called on other countries, particularly in Europe, to share the responsibility. "We're giving a lot of money, a lot of food, a lot of everything," Trump said. "If we weren't there, I think people would have starved, frankly. They would have starved."Trump seemed frustrated over what he called a lack of gratitude from European nations. "No other country gave anything," he said. "It makes you feel a little bad when you do that, and, you know, you have other countries not giving anything Nobody gave but us. And nobody said, Gee, thank you very much."The president also mentioned discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer about the CONSIDERS ALTERNATIVE MEASURESThe deadlock over ceasefire and hostage negotiations has hardened positions. Netanyahu said that Israel is considering "alternative" measures to bring home hostages and dismantle Hamas's control of backed Netanyahu, saying, "Hamas really didn't want to make a deal. I think they want to die And it got to be to a point where you're going to have to finish the job." He predicted that Hamas leaders would be "hunted down" following the collapse of CRISIS WORSENS AMID BLOODSHEDThe humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated sharply in the past few months. Gaza's health ministry reported that more than 130 people, including 87 children, have died from malnutrition and hunger since the start of Israel's assault. Over the past 24 hours alone, six new deaths related to starvation have been of starvation and suffering have sparked alarm. Former President Barack Obama condemned the blockade on aid supplies, writing on X, "There is no justification for keeping food and water away from civilian families,' and calling for urgent action 'to prevent the travesty of innocent people dying of preventable starvation."advertisementOver 20 Democratic US senators also sent a letter to the Trump administration urging it to end funding for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation -- a new private aid group -- and to restore support for the UN's aid distribution. The United Nations claims Israeli forces have killed more than 1,000 people near GHF's food distribution current bloodshed traces back to October 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages, according to Israeli response, Israel's military assault on Gaza has resulted in nearly 60,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's health ministry. The assault has displaced the almost entire population of Gaza, devastated infrastructure, and led to a severe hunger crisis.- EndsWith inputs from AgenciesTune InMust Watch
