UN ban violated: North Korea claims spy satellite success over US targets

A spy satellite, whose installment in orbit violated the UN ban and resulted in a partial suspension of the inter-Korean peace accord, has reportedly taken its first photographs, according to North Korea. The country alleges to have procured satellite images featuring the White House and the Pentagon.

The state announced on Tuesday that the military spy satellite launched last week had managed to photograph the White House, the Pentagon, and various nearby U.S. naval bases. However, they haven't published any photos, according to "The Japan Times".

The satellite's official reconnaissance mission was announced to commence on December 1, yet the Korean Central News Agency claimed that the process is being fast-tracked and may conclude a day or two earlier than expected. It was also reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un took pleasure in receiving reports from the space agency and seemed satisfied after viewing photos of the White House and the Pentagon. Allegedly, the satellite also captured images of the U.S. naval base in Norfolk, the Newport News Shipyard, and an airport in Virginia, according to claims made by ruling communists.

"Four U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one British aircraft carrier were sighted in photos from Norfolk Naval Station and Newport News Dockyard," "The Japan Times" cited, attributing the information to the Korean report.

Last week, North Korea reported that Kim was depicted satellite images of "major target areas", encompassing Seoul and Korean cities with U.S. military bases. The announcement was not accompanied by any photos that could substantiate the given information.

When asked for comment by "The Japan Times", a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed that he is unable to verify the information coming from Pyongyang. South Korea, Japan, and the United States seemingly believe that the satellite has likely been placed in orbit and have voiced their concerns. However, none of these countries have officially commented on the device's capabilities and its potential military value.