North Korea starts dismantling launch site

North Korea has started dismantling key facilities at its main satellite launch site, a US research group has said.

The activity appears to be a step toward fulfilling a commitment made by leader Kim Jong Un at his summit with US president Donald Trump in June.

An official from South Korea’s presidential office said yesterday that Seoul had also been detecting dismantlement activities at the North’s Sohae launch site, but did not specify.

While the official said such moves could have a “positive effect” on the North’s denuclearisation, analysts say such steps would not reduce North Korea’s military capabilities unless the country dismantles the whole site.

The North Korea-focused 38 North website said recent satellite images indicate the North began dismantling key facilities at the site, including a rocket engine test stand and a rail-mounted processing building where space launch vehicles were assembled before being moved to the launch pad.