North Korea discloses uranium enrichment facility

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (center) gives instructions to officials at a facility for producing weapons-grade nuclear materials, in this undated photo released by Pyongyang's state-run Korea Central News Agency. 

SEOUL, September 13 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected a facility for producing weapons-grade nuclear materials including enriched uranium, Pyongyang's state-run Rodong Sinmun reported on Friday.

During his "on-site guidance," Kim called for producing more nuclear weapons for "self-defense."

Emphasizing the need to expand the number of centrifuges and their individual capacity, Kim expressed his great satisfaction with the facility. "Just looking at this [facility] gives me strength," the portly leader exclaimed.

Kim stressed the importance of enhancing the isolated country's nuclear warfare capabilities, citing escalating threats from the U.S. and its allies.

"The recent nuclear threat maneuvers against [the North] by the followers led by the U.S. have become more blatant and have crossed dangerous boundaries," Kim said.

North Korea is believed to be operating two uranium enrichment facilities capable of producing highly enriched uranium for nuclear warheads: one at Yongbyon and another at Kangson just outside of Pyongyang.

The exact location and date of Kim's latest visit remain unclear, but it is the first time North Korea has publicly disclosed its uranium enrichment facility since 2010, when it allowed an American scholar to inspect the one at Yongbyon.