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Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Satellite Image Hints at North Korea's Biggest Military Factory
North Korea has begun work on what could become the country's largest military production facility, according to analysis of satellite images captured by Planet Labs. The planned site is expected to dwarf the nearby weapons-producing machine factory—where leader Kim Jong Un recently praised efforts to modernize the nation's defense industry. The project comes amid heightened tensions with U.S.-allied South Korea, as Pyongyang continues a steady spate of ballistic missile tests and expands the Kim regime's nuclear missile program and naval capabilities. North Korea's munitions factories were "operating at full capacity" last year, according to the South, whose defense ministry says the country has delivered millions of shells and rockets to Russian forces fighting against Ukraine. Pyongyang has also sent thousands of troops to aid in that conflict, now in its fourth year. Newsweek reached out to the North Korean embassy in China by email with a request for comment outside of office hours. Satellite photos analyzed by the North Korea-focused specialist website NK News show that several buildings have already been demolished in preparation for new construction. Based on a 3D rendering displayed during Kim Jong Un's recent visit to the existing factory near the new site—in the city of Huichon, Jagang Province, about 80 miles northeast of Pyongyang—the new facility is estimated to eventually boast at least twice the floor space of the current plant. If the planned complex ultimately matches the scale shown in the illustration, it will cover between 12 and 25 acres, although this would require the demolition of an additional dozen large structures and some leveling of the surrounding mountainside, NK News reported. The U.S. and South Korea believe the North is receiving aid—including technical assistance and parts for weapons manufacturing—in exchange for its military assistance to Russia. North Korea, like other socialist states before it, maintains an unofficial "second economy" built largely on arms production. Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Un's grandfather and the country's founder, prioritized the development of this munitions industry as part of a dual policy of economic defense and growth, fueling the rise of the second economy, or an unofficial military economy. However, North Korean defectors who previously worked for the regime have said resources are prioritized for the second economy over the people's economy, according to a report by the analysis group 38 North last year. Colin Zwirko, senior analytic correspondent for NK News,wrote: "Only a few factory buildings in the country feature a single, uninterrupted production floor of a comparable but still smaller size, like the Taedonggang Battery Factory in the capital or the newly remodeled Kumsong Tractor Factory, but the new Huichon Ryonha facility may become the largest to boast an explicit military production function." North Korea is almost certain to continue its military buildup, which it says is necessary to deter "provocations" by U.S. and South Korean forces. However, South Korea's newly elected president, Lee Jae-myung, has signaled he aims to ease tensions with North Korea. Last week, for example, he ordered the shutdown of loudspeakers broadcasting daily anti-North Korean propaganda near the border. Related Articles North Korea Airbrushes Commander From Photos After Warship FailKim Jong Un Doubles Down on Destroyers for North Korea's NavyNorth Korea Rejects Trump's Letter to Kim: ReportUS Ally Seeks China's Help in Dealing With North Korea 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Mint
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma issues ‘shoot-at-sight' orders in Dhubri, claims 'active group intends to damage temples'
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday issued shoot-at-sight orders in the state's Dhubri district after a 'group became active with the intention of damaging our temples.' In a message posted on X, the CM said, 'A particular group has become active in Dhubri with the intention of damaging our temples. We have issued shoot-at-sight orders.' In another post on X, he said that he visited Dhubri on Friday to assess the situation in the district and if needed, will visit again. 'The Assam government is with you,' he told the residents of Dhubri, while assuring them safety. 'I assured the people of Dhubri that no one needs to live in fear,' he wrote in his post. The CM was visiting Dhubri after communal violence took place following the incident where cow meat was thrown at Hanuman Mandir on the festival of Eid. During his visit, Sarma asked law enforcement officers to follow "zero tolerance" against elements who desecrated temples, Naamghars and sacred places. He further stated that those involved would not be spared. "I visited Dhubri and directed law enforcement officers to follow ZERO tolerance against elements who desecrate our temples, Naamghars and sacred spaces. The incident of throwing beef at the town's Hanuman Mandir should have NEVER happened, and those involved WON'T BE SPARED," Sarma wrote in a post on X. In a later post on X, the CM stated that he would guard the Hanuman Baba temple all night long if it was needed. "This time on Eid, some anti-social elements committed a disgusting and condemnable crime by throwing cow meat in the Hanuman temple of Dhubri! If required on the coming Eid, I myself will guard Hanuman Baba's temple all night long," the post read. With no new untoward incident reported following communal tension, the Dhubri district administration on Tuesday withdrew the prohibitory orders from the headquarters town and allowed all shops to open, news agency PTI reported, quoting officials. The law and order situation in Dhubri town deteriorated following protests after pieces of meat were found near a temple in Dhubri town on Sunday. Tear gas shells were lobbed to disperse the agitators on Monday and restrictions on public movement were imposed. Dhubri District Commissioner Dibakar Nath told PTI that the situation in Dhubri town is under control at present. "We have revoked yesterday's (Monday) order. Shops and markets have opened now," he added. Nath also said that several peace committees have been formed in various sensitive localities of the town, comprising members from both Hindu and Muslim communities. On Monday, miscreants reportedly attacked vegetable vendors and e-rickshaw drivers near Dhubri Magistrate Colony and New Market. Police rushed to the scene and fired tear gas shells to disperse the mob and regain control of the situation, the PTI report said. To prevent further flare-ups of "communal tension, riot risk or violent protests", the administration immediately clamped restrictions under section 163 of BNSS and ordered all shops and market establishments in the town to remain closed. It also prohibited the assembly of five or more people in any public places, intending for demonstration or meeting or procession.
RTÉ News
12-06-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Kenya NGO saves turtles from nets, plastic and rising tides
A small charity on the Kenyan coast has become vital to the region's majestic turtle population, saving thousands from poachers, fishermen's nets and ever-worsening plastic pollution. On the beach of the seaside town of Watamu, it took four men to heave the huge Loggerhead sea turtle into the back of a car. She had just been saved from a fishing tackle and was then taken to a nearby clinic to be checked for injuries, then weighed, tagged and released back into the sea. A Kenyan NGO, Local Ocean Conservation (LOC), has been doing this work for almost three decades and has carried out some 24,000 rescues. "Every time I release a turtle, it's a really great joy for me. My motivation gets stronger and stronger," said Fikiri Kiponda, 47, who has been part of LOC's 20-odd staff for 16 years. LOC began life in 1997 as a group of volunteers who hated seeing the creatures being eaten or dying in nets. Turtles are still poached for their shells, meat and oil. But through the charity's awareness campaigns in schools and villages, "perceptions have significantly changed", said Mr Kiponda. LOC, which relies mostly on donations, compensates fishermen for bringing them injured turtles. More than 1,000 fishermen participate in the scheme and mostly do so for the sake of conservation, the charity emphasised, since the reward does not offset the hours of lost labour. Floating turtles At the NGO's nearby clinic, health coordinator Lameck Maitha, 34, said turtles are often treated for broken bones and tumours caused by a disease called fibropapillomatosis. One current in-patient is Safari, a young Olive Ridley turtle around 15 years old - turtles can live beyond 100 - transported by plane from further up the coast. She arrived in a dire state, barely alive and with a bone protruding from her flipper, which ultimately had to be amputated - likely the result of fighting to free herself from a fisherman's net. Safari has been recovering well and the clinic hopes she can return to the sea. Other frequent tasks include removing barnacles that embed themselves in shells and flippers, weakening their host. But a growing danger is plastic pollution. If a turtle eats plastic, it can create a blockage that in turn creates gas, making the turtle float and unable to dive. In these cases, the clinic gives the turtle laxatives to clear out its system. "We are seeing more and more floating turtles because the ocean has so much plastic," said Maitha. Survivors LOC also works to protect 50 to 100 nesting sites, threatened by rising sea levels. Turtles travel far and wide but always lay their eggs on the beach where they were born, and Watamu is one of the most popular spots. Every three or four years, they produce hundreds of eggs, laid during multiple sessions over several months, that hatch after around 60 days. The charity often relocates eggs that have been laid too close to the sea. Marine biologist Joey Ngunu, LOC's technical manager, always calls the first to appear Kevin. "And once Kevin comes out, the rest follow," he said with a smile, describing the slow, clumsy procession to the water, preferably at night to avoid predators as much as possible. Only one in a thousand reaches adulthood of 20 to 25 years. "Living in the sea as a turtle must be crazy. You have to face so many dangers, fish and poachers, and now human pressure with plastic and commercial fishing," he said.
News18
11-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Temple Vandalism Sparks Tension In Bengal's Maheshtala, BJP Slams Mamata Over 'Appeasement'
Last Updated: In the violence that followed, stones were pelted, and one police officer is said to have sustained injuries Fresh communal tension broke out in Maheshtala, South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, on Tuesday after a reported incident of temple vandalism led to clashes between two communities. The violence took place near the Rabindranagar Police Station in the Budge Budge area. According to sources, the clash began after a person was stopped from setting up a shop near a local Hindu temple. This reportedly led to a group allegedly vandalising the temple, triggering outrage among local residents. In the violence that followed, stones were pelted, and one police officer is said to have sustained injuries. To control the situation, police resorted to lathicharge and fired tear gas shells. A Rapid Action Force (RAF) team was also deployed to restore peace in the area. Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar reacted strongly to the incident, blaming the state government for 'Muslim appeasement". In a detailed post on social media platform X, Majumdar accused the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government of ignoring repeated attacks on Bengali Hindus in Muslim-majority areas of the state. The incident took place under the jurisdiction of Rabindranagar Police Station in Maheshtala, which falls under the infamous @DiamondHrbrPD. To be blunt—this is yet another burning example of the Bhaipo's so-called 'Diamond Model'.If you want to understand the reality Bengali… — Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) June 11, 2025 He alleged that a Shiva temple was vandalised right in front of a police station and that local Hindus, including a police officer, were attacked. 'The most outrageous part? Despite knowing exactly who was responsible—a certain 'peace-loving" community—the police didn't take action against them," Majumdar wrote. 'Instead, they charged at the Hindus." The senior BJP leader further accused the state of following a pattern of inaction, referring to similar incidents in Malda and Murshidabad. 'The same pattern was seen in Malda and Murshidabad. Even there, the police stood in silence while horrific violence was unleashed on Hindus. What happened today in Rabindranagar is simply another side of the same coin." 'All of this happened in front of the police, yet they did nothing. They were assaulted, but didn't dare to strike back. The reason is plain—@MamataOfficial's shameless policy of Muslim appeasement, the consequences of which are now deeply embedded even in the state's OBC list," Majumdar stated.
Observer
08-06-2025
- Health
- Observer
Kenya NGO saves turtles from nets, plastic and rising tides
A small charity on the Kenyan coast has become vital to the region's majestic turtle population, saving thousands from poachers, fishermen's nets and ever-worsening plastic pollution. On the beach of the seaside town of Watamu, it takes four men to heave the huge Loggerhead sea turtle into the back of a car. She has just been saved from a fishing tackle and will be taken to a nearby clinic to be checked for injuries, then weighed, tagged and released back into the sea. A Kenyan NGO, Local Ocean Conservation (LOC), has been doing this work for almost three decades and has carried out some 24,000 rescues. "Every time I release a turtle, it's a really great joy for me. My motivation gets stronger and stronger," said Fikiri Kiponda, 47, who has been part of LOC's 20-odd staff for 16 years. LOC began life in 1997 as a group of volunteers who hated seeing the creatures being eaten or dying in nets. Turtles are still poached for their shells, meat and oil. But through the charity's awareness campaigns in schools and villages, "perceptions have significantly changed", said Kiponda. LOC, which relies mostly on donations, compensates fishermen for bringing them injured turtles. More than 1,000 fishermen participate in the scheme and mostly do so for the sake of conservation, the charity emphasises, since the reward does not offset the hours of lost labour. Floating turtles At the NGO's nearby clinic, health coordinator Lameck Maitha, 34, says turtles are often treated for broken bones and tumours caused by a disease called Fibropapillomatosis. One current in-patient is Safari, a young Olive Ridley turtle around 15 years old — turtles can live beyond 100 — transported by plane from further up the coast. She arrived in a dire state, barely alive and with a bone protruding from her flipper, which ultimately had to be amputated — likely the result of fighting to free herself from a fisherman's net. Safari has been recovering well and the clinic hopes she can return to the sea. Other frequent tasks include removing barnacles that embed themselves in shells and flippers, weakening their host. But a growing danger is plastic pollution. If a turtle eats plastic, it can create a blockage that in turn creates gas, making the turtle float and unable to dive. In these cases, the clinic gives the turtle laxatives to clear out its system. "We are seeing more and more floating turtles because the ocean has so much plastic," said Maitha. Survivors LOC also works to protect 50 to 100 nesting sites, threatened by rising sea levels. Turtles travel far and wide but always lay their eggs on the beach where they were born and Watamu is one of the most popular spots. Every three or four years, they produce hundreds of eggs, laid during multiple sessions over several months, that hatch after around 60 days. The charity often relocates eggs that have been laid too close to the sea. Marine biologist Joey Ngunu, LOC's technical manager, always calls the first to appear Kevin. "And once Kevin comes out, the rest follow," he said with a smile, describing the slow, clumsy procession to the water, preferably at night to avoid predators as much as possible. Only one in a thousand reaches adulthood of 20-25 years. "Living in the sea as a turtle must be crazy. You have to face so many dangers, fish and poachers; and now human pressure with plastic and commercial fishing," he said. "Turtles are definitely survivors." — AFP
