North Korea Yongbyon nuclear site 'in operation

North Korea Yongbyon nuclear site 'in operation' 15 September 2015 From the section Asia Image copyright Science Photo Library Image caption The reactor provided plutonium for Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme North Korea says its main nuclear facility, the Yongbyon complex, has resumed normal operations. The country was improving its nuclear weapons "in quality and quantity", state-run news agency KCNA reported. Yongbyon's reactor was shut down in 2007 but Pyongyang vowed to restart it in 2013, following its third nuclear test and amid high regional tensions. The reactor has been the source of plutonium for North Korea's nuclear weapons programme. Experts believe that if re-started, the reactor could potentially make one bomb's worth of plutonium per year. The announcement is the first official confirmation from North Korea that it has restarted operations at Yongbyon. However, a US think-tank said earlier this year that satellite images suggested that work had commenced at the plant. Rocket launch plans KCNA also said on Tuesday that the North was ready to face US hostility with "nuclear weapons any time". However, the full scope of North Korea's nuclear capabilities is unclear. Pyongyang claims it has made a device small enough to fit a nuclear warhead on to a missile, which it could launch at its enemies. However, US officials have cast doubt on this claim and experts say it is difficult to assess the progress North Korea has made on miniaturisation. Yongbyon nuclear complex North Korea's main nuclear facility, believed to have manufactured material for previous nuclear tests Reactor shut down in July 2007 as part of a disarmament-for-aid deal International inspectors banned in April 2009 when North Korea pulled out of disarmament talks A uranium enrichment facility was revealed in 2010. An American nuclear scientist said centrifuges appeared to be primarily for civilian nuclear power, but could be converted to produce highly enriched uranium bomb fuel Reactor restarted in 2013, the same year North Korea conducted a nuclear test. Became dormant in August 2014 Experts believe that reactor could make one bomb's worth of plutonium per year Nuclear test based on uranium device would be harder to monitor than plutonium The news comes ahead of the 70th anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party on 10 October, which North Korea is planning to mark with a parade. Pyongyang has also announced plans to launch a long-range rocket carrying a satellite - something outsiders have described as a military rocket test. Correspondents say the latest announcements do not mean the North has long-range missile capabilities - but do show that Pyongyang has ambitions to achieve this. Share this story About sharing Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Linkedin More on this story How advanced is North Korea's nuclear programme? 15 September 2015 How potent are North Korea's threats? 15 September 2015 N Korea ramps up nuclear tension 2 April 2013 Top Stories Tough Hungary migrant laws take effect Tough new laws come into force in Hungary, allowing police to arrest and charge migrants entering the country illegally. 15 September 2015 N Korea nuclear reactor 'in operation' 15 September 2015 School computers 'do not raise results' 15 September 2015 Features Wrong note Why 'Happy Birthday' will cost you Video 2:33 'Ubered' How some black cab drivers declared online war Key to success What exactly is the doctrine of marginal gains? Off the menu Flying Korea's farmed dogs half way round the world to safety Warnings justified? How safe can artificial intelligence be? No web design Can technology create a spider-proof shed? The Vocabularist Where did the word 'crisis' come from? The next step The quadruple amputee denied access to the right legs The Izzy Dix story The life - and death - of a teenager in five podcasts News navigation Asia Sections Asia China India Home UK UK Home England N. Ireland Scotland Alba Wales Cymru World selected World Home Africa Asia selected Australia Europe Latin America Middle East US & Canada Business Business Home Your Money Market Data Markets Companies Economy Politics Politics Home Election 2015 Vote 2014 Tech Science Health Education Education Home School Report Entertainment & Arts Video & Audio Magazine In Pictures Also in the News Special Reports Explainers The Reporters Have Your Say Disability BBC News Services On your mobile On your connected TV Get news alerts Contact BBC News